JP2012249832A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which enables different control devices to appropriately transmit and receive information.SOLUTION: When a predetermined abnormality occurs in regard to the dispensing of a game ball in a dispensing device 77, an abnormality start command is transmitted from a dispensing side MPU 102 to a main side MPU 92. The abnormality start command is transmitted to the main side MPU 92 via a second signal route SL2 by serial communication. Here, the transmission rate of the second signal route SL2 is set to 1,200 bps. The received abnormality start command is stored in a command buffer 94d, and various commands such as a dispensing abnormality report command corresponding to the abnormality start command is transmitted to a sound light control device 72 by the serial communication. The transmission rate of the signal route is set to 19,200 bps. In response to the receipt of the dispensing abnormality report command by the sound light control device 72, a dispensing abnormality report is executed by an error light emitting part 58b and a speaker 59.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like are known. As these gaming machines, those equipped with a plurality of control devices are known. In the gaming machine, the progress of the game is controlled by executing predetermined control in each control device while communicating between the plurality of control devices.

  As a configuration including the plurality of control devices, for example, a pachinko gaming machine includes a main control device and a payout control device. In the main control device, a determination is made as to whether or not a game ball has entered a ball entering part provided in the game area, and if a ball enters the ball entering part related to payout of the game ball occurs. A prize ball command is output from the main control device to the payout control device. The payout control device drives and controls the payout device so that the number of game balls corresponding to the prize ball command is paid out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-213766 A

  When there is an abnormality in the payout device, the payout control device transmits a command for occurrence of an abnormality to the main control device. After the abnormality occurrence command is received by the main control device, it is stored in a buffer which is a storage area in which a predetermined number of commands can be temporarily stored. Thereafter, in the processing performed by the main control device, the command stored in the buffer is transmitted to the notification control device, and the notification control device performs abnormality notification processing.

  However, in the processing executed by the main control device, the number of commands that can be transmitted to the control device for notification during the period from the start of a predetermined processing time to the start of the next processing time is limited. Therefore, when a command is received exceeding the number of commands that can be transmitted during the period, a situation occurs in which the command is not transmitted and the process proceeds to the next processing time while being stored in the buffer. If such a situation occurs continuously, the storage area of the buffer is filled with unprocessed commands, and even if a new command is transmitted from the payout control device, it cannot be stored or an old command is overwritten.

  Note that the above-described problem is not limited to the relationship between the main control device, the payout control device, and the notification control device, and similarly occurs in the relationship between other control devices. In addition, the configuration is not limited to the configuration related to abnormality notification, and the same configuration occurs in other configurations related to information transmission.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances exemplified above, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably transmitting and receiving information between different control devices.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems will be described.

The invention according to claim 1 has, as control means, first control means, second control means and third control means,
The second control means receives a command from the first control means via the first communication means, transmits a command to the third control means via the second communication means,
By receiving and transmitting these commands, processing corresponding to the predetermined processing performed in the first control unit is performed in the third control unit,
The first communication means includes first information transmission means for making the information transmission speed of the first communication means lower than the information transmission speed of the second communication means. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably transmit and receive information between different control devices.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. (A), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content in the display screen of a symbol display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success / failure drawing. It is a flowchart which shows the main process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure special electric power control process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure fluctuation start process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the fraud detection process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the command transmission process performed in a data transmission circuit part. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting and effect control processing which are performed with a sound light control apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed the structure which concerns on transmission of the command from a payout control apparatus to a main control apparatus, and the structure which concerns on transmission of the command from a main control apparatus to a sound light control apparatus. (A) is an explanatory view showing the initial state of the command buffer, (b) is an explanatory view showing a state in which commands are stored in a part of the storage area of the command buffer, and (c) is a command in the entire storage area of the command buffer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which was stored. It is a flowchart which shows the payout state detection process performed in payout side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the command transmission process performed in a 1st data transmission part. It is a flowchart which shows the payout state reception process performed in main side MPU. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the mode of transmission / reception of the various commands in main side MPU. It is the block diagram which showed the structure which concerns on transmission of the command from the payout control apparatus in 2nd Embodiment to a main control apparatus, and the structure which concerns on transmission of the command from a main control apparatus.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine body 12 that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11. . The outer frame 11 is configured by connecting a wooden plate or the like to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine main body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13. ing. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main body 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in front view.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 and can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a backpack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and when viewed from the front, the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation front end side. It is possible to move.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device 16 at its rotating tip, and the gaming machine main body 12 is locked to the outer frame 11 so that it cannot be opened. And has a function of locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 so that the front door frame 14 cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation using the unlocking key on the cylinder lock 17 that is exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

  Next, the configuration of the front side of the gaming machine body 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 21 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. A substantially elliptical window hole 23 is formed at the center of the resin base 21. A game board 24 is detachably attached to the resin base 21. The game board 24 is made of plywood, and a game area formed on the front surface of the game board 24 is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 23 of the resin base 21.

  Here, the structure of the game board 24 is demonstrated based on FIG. The game board 24 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction by being subjected to router processing. Each opening has a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper working port (first starting ball entering portion) 33, a lower working port (second starting ball entering portion) 34, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, A main display unit 43, an accessory display unit 44, and the like are provided.

  When a ball enters the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, and the lower operating port 34, it is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) disposed on the back side of the game board 24, Based on the detection result, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. In this case, 10 winning balls are paid out when the general winning opening 31 is entered, and 15 winning balls are paid out when the variable winning device 32 is entered. Is executed, three game balls are paid out when a ball enters the upper working port 33, and four game balls are paid out when a ball enters the lower working port 34. Is executed. The number of game balls to be paid out is not limited to the above.

  In addition, an out port 37 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 24, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area through the out port 37. The game board 24 is provided with a large number of nails 38 in order to disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball as appropriate, and various members (functions) such as a windmill.

  Here, the entry ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and is not only a mode of being discharged from the game area after passing through the opening, but is discharged from the game area after passing through the opening. Embodiments that are not included are also included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 37, the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, the lower operating port 34, or the through gate 35 are entered. The entry of a game ball is also expressed as a prize.

  The upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are unitized as an operating port device and are installed in the game board 24. Both the upper working port 33 and the lower working port 34 are opened upward. Further, both the operation ports 33 and 34 are arranged in the vertical direction, more specifically in the vertical direction, with the upper operation port 33 facing upward. The lower working port 34 is provided with an electric accessory 34a as a guide piece made up of a pair of left and right movable pieces. When the electric accessory 34a is in the closed state, winning in the lower working port 34 is impossible, and winning in the lower operating port 34 is possible when the electric accessory 34a is in the open state.

  The variable winning device 32 includes a large winning opening 32a that leads to the back side of the game board 24, and an open / close door 32b that opens and closes the large winning opening 32a. The open / close door 32b is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is switched to a predetermined open state in which the game ball is easy to win in the internal lottery when winning the transition to the open / close execution mode. It is like that. Here, the opening / closing execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when a big win is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 32, the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened with a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings as one round and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) as an upper limit. There is an embodiment.

  The main display portion 43 and the accessory display portion 44 are provided on a decorative member 39 disposed along the outer edge on the lower side of the game area. The decorative member 39 extends from the board surface of the game board 24 to the front of the pachinko machine 10. More specifically, the front surface of the decorative member 39 faces the window panel 57 provided on the front door frame 14 so that the game area can be viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The distance between them is narrower than that of one game ball. This prevents the game ball from falling in front of the front surface of the decorative member 39.

  A main display unit 43 and an accessory display unit 44 are provided so as to be exposed from the front surface of the decorative member 39. That is, the main display unit 43 and the accessory display unit 44 are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the window panel 57 of the front door frame 14, and a game ball is in front of both the display units 43 and 44. It is prevented from falling.

  In the main display unit 43, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning at the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variation display, the winning to the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34 is achieved. The result of the internal lottery performed based on the display is clearly shown. In other words, in this pachinko machine 10, the winning to the upper working port 33 and the winning to the lower working port 34 are not distinguished in the internal lottery, and are performed based on the winning to the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34. The result of the internal lottery is displayed on the main display unit 43 which is a common display area. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the main display unit 43. After the display and the change display are stopped, the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode. In addition, when the probability of winning / failing lottery is high after the opening / closing execution mode and when the probability of winning / losing lottery is low after the opening / closing execution mode, stop when the variable display is ended on the main display unit 43. The result is different.

  By the way, based on the winning of one of the operating ports 33, 34, the display of variation is started on the main display unit 43, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the variation display is stopped once. It corresponds to. In addition, as a pattern variably displayed on the main display unit 43, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, A configuration in which the color of the seed is switched and displayed can be considered.

  In the accessory display unit 44, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning to the through gate 35 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning to the through gate 35 is displayed as a result of stopping the variation display. Explicit by display. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the through gate 35 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the state where the electric role is opened, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the accessory display unit 44 and displayed in a variable manner. After is stopped, it shifts to the electric utility open state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 34a provided in the lower working port 34 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  The variable display unit 36 is provided with a symbol display device 41 for variably displaying (or variably displaying or switching display) a symbol with a number as a symbol. The variable display unit 36 is provided with a center frame 42 so as to surround the symbol display device 41. The center frame 42 has an upper portion extending forward of the pachinko machine 10. Thus, the game ball is prevented from falling in front of the display surface of the symbol display device 41, and the inconvenience that the visibility of the display surface is lowered due to the fall of the game ball is not caused. .

  The symbol display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and display contents are controlled by a display control device described later. The symbol display device 41 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be another display device having a display screen such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT, and a dot matrix display. It may be a vessel.

  In the symbol display device 41, the variation display of the symbol is started based on winning in the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34. That is, when variable display is performed on the main display unit 43, variable display is performed on the symbol display device 41 accordingly.

  The display contents of the symbol display device 41 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the display surface G of the symbol display device 41.

  A symbol, which is a kind of symbol, is composed of nine types of main symbols with numbers “1” to “9”, respectively, and a sub symbol composed of shell-shaped symbols. More specifically, the main symbols are configured by attaching numbers “1” to “9” to nine types of character symbols such as octopus.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, on the display surface G of the symbol display device 41, three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 of an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage are set as a plurality of display areas. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 includes a main symbol and a sub symbol arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in descending order of numbers in the upper symbol row Z1, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. . In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub symbol is arranged between the main symbols.

  That is, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and then between the main symbol “9” and the main symbol “1”. In addition, a main symbol “4” is additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, only the middle symbol row Z2 is composed of 20 symbols by arranging 10 main symbols.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, on the display surface G, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. It is like that. On the display surface G, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right lowering line L4, and a right uppering line L5 are set.

  When a game-turning effect is performed on the display surface G based on winning at the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34, the symbols in the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scrolled in a predetermined direction with periodicity. The variable display is started. Then, the display is switched from the variable display to the standby display in the order of the upper symbol row Z1 → the lower symbol row Z3 → the middle symbol row Z2, and finally the game is used in a state where a predetermined symbol is statically displayed in each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3. The production of is ended.

  In addition, when the same game combination is stopped and displayed on one active line when the game round effect is finished, the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed for a predetermined number of times and a large number of game balls are displayed. It will shift to the opening / closing execution mode that enables acquisition. In this case, in the effect for game times corresponding to the case where the probability of winning / failing lottery becomes high after the opening / closing execution mode, a combination of symbols in which the same odd number is attached to any one of the active lines is formed. . On the other hand, in the effect for game times corresponding to the case where the probability of winning / failing lottery becomes low after the opening / closing execution mode, a combination of symbols in which the same even number is attached to any one of the active lines is formed.

  Further, the variation display mode of the symbol in the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary, such as the number of symbol columns, the direction of symbol variation display in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be appropriately changed. Also, the pattern that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above-described pattern, and for example, only numbers may be variably displayed as the pattern.

  A first reserved light emitting unit 45 corresponding to the main display unit 43 and the symbol display device 41 is provided in the upper left portion on the front side of the center frame 42. The maximum number of game balls won in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 is reserved, and the reserved number is displayed when the first holding light emitting unit 45 is turned on. As described above, since the upper part of the center frame 42 extends forward of the pachinko machine 10, the visibility of the first reserved light emitting unit 45 is not hindered by the fall of the game ball.

  In the upper right part of the center frame 42, a second reserved light emitting unit 46 corresponding to the accessory display unit 44 is provided. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 35 is held up to 4 times, and the number of the held balls is displayed by turning on the second holding light emitting unit 46. In addition, it is good also as a structure by which the function of each holding | maintenance light emission part 45 and 46 is fulfill | performed by the display in a partial area | region of the symbol display apparatus 41. FIG.

  An inner rail portion 48 and an outer rail portion 49 are attached to the game board 24, and a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail portion 48 and the outer rail portion 49, and a game launched from the game ball launching mechanism 51. A ball is guided to the upper part of the game area. As shown in FIG. 2, the game ball launching mechanism 51 is attached below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21. The game ball launching mechanism 51 is launched by operating the launch handle 55 provided on the front door frame 14. Operation is performed.

  A front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is formed with a window portion 56 so that almost the entire gaming area can be viewed from the front. The window part 56 has a substantially elliptical shape, and a window panel 57 is fitted therein. Although the window panel 57 is formed colorless and transparent by glass, it is not limited to this and may be formed colorless and transparent by a synthetic resin.

  Around the window portion 56, light emitting means such as various light emitting portions are provided. A display light emitting part 58 a is provided above the window part 56 as part of the various light emitting parts. A pair of left and right error light emitters 58b are provided on the left and right sides of the display light emitter 58a and on the upper corner of the front door frame 14. In addition, a pair of left and right speaker units 59 for outputting sound effects according to the gaming state are provided adjacent to the error light emitting unit 58b.

  Below the window portion 56 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 61 and a lower bulging portion 62 bulging toward the front side are arranged in parallel. An upper plate 61 a that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 61, and a lower plate 62 a that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 62. The upper plate 61a has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism 51 side while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 62a has a function of storing game balls that become surplus in the upper tray 61a. In addition, the lower tray 62a has a function of storing game balls that become surplus in the upper tray 61a. The game balls paid out from the payout device 77 of the back pack unit 15 are discharged to the upper plate 61a and the lower plate 62a through a passage forming unit 80 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14.

  Next, the configuration on the back side of the gaming machine main body 12 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a main controller 71 and a sound light controller 72 are mounted on the back of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24).

  The back pack unit 15 is installed so as to cover the back side of the inner frame 13 including the main control device 71 and the sound and light control device 72. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 73 formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and a payout mechanism 74 and a control device assembly unit 75 are attached to the back pack 73.

  The payout mechanism unit 74 includes a tank 76 in which game balls supplied from island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished, and a payout device 77 for paying out game balls stored in the tank 76. The game balls paid out from the payout device 77 are discharged to the upper plate 61a or the lower plate 62a through a payout passage provided on the downstream side of the payout device 77. The payout mechanism 74 is provided with a back pack substrate having a power switch for turning on and off the power supply, for example, while supplying a main power of AC 24 volts.

  The control device assembly unit 75 includes a payout control device 78 and a power source and launch control device 79. The payout control device 78 and the power supply / launch control device 79 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 78 is located behind the pachinko machine 10.

  The back pack 73 is provided with an external terminal plate 81 in addition to the payout mechanism 74 and the control device assembly unit 75. The external terminal plate 81 is installed at the upper corner of the back pack unit 15 on the back side of the pachinko machine 10 and on the upper corner. The external terminal board 81 is a board for outputting a predetermined signal so that the management computer of the game hall recognizes the state of the pachinko machine 10.

<Electric configuration of pachinko machine 10>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10.

  The main control device 71 includes a main control board 91 that controls the main game and a power failure monitoring board (power interruption monitoring board) 96 that monitors the power source. An MPU 92 is mounted on the main control board 91. The MPU 92 includes a ROM 93 and an RWM 94.

  The ROM 93 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, a memory that does not require external power supply for storing and holding, such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The ROM 93 stores various control programs executed by the MPU 92 and fixed value data.

  The RWM 94 is configured to use a memory (that is, a volatile storage unit) that requires an external power supply for storage and retention, such as SRAM and DRAM, for both reading and writing. The time required for reading is shorter than that of the ROM 93 when compared with the data capacity. The RWM 94 temporarily stores various data and the like when executing the control program stored in the ROM 93.

  In addition to the above elements, the MPU 92 or the main control board 91 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like. Note that it is not essential that the ROM 93 and the RWM 94 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 92, and each may be configured as a separate chip.

  The MPU 92 is provided with an input / output port. On the input side of the MPU 92, a power failure monitoring board 96, a payout control device 78, each winning detection sensor, a magnet detection sensor 24a, a radio wave detection sensor 24b, and the like are connected.

  A power supply and launch control device 79 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 96, and power is supplied to the MPU 92 via the power failure monitoring board 96. The power supply and launch control device 79 includes a power supply and launch control board 111, and the power supply and launch control board 111 is provided with a power supply section 113 for turning on power and a power supply section 114 for turning off power. .

  The power-on power supply unit 113 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like, and each of the main control device 71, the payout control device 78, etc. based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source. Is generated, and the generated operating voltage is supplied to the main controller 71, the payout controller 78, and the like.

  A power failure monitoring board 96 is provided in the middle of the power supply path between the power-on power supply unit 113 and the MPU 92. The power failure monitoring board 96 monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage supplied from the power-on power supply unit 113. Then, when this voltage is less than 22 volts, it is determined that a power interruption has occurred, and the output setting of the power failure signal (power interruption signal) to the MPU 92 corresponds to the occurrence of a power failure (power interruption).

  The power supply unit for power interruption 114 is composed of a capacitor. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is ON (when power is supplied from a commercial power supply), the power supplied from the power supply unit for power supply 113 is used. Charged. Further, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is in an OFF state or in a power cut-off state such as when a power failure occurs in the commercial power supply (when power supply from the commercial power supply is cut off), the RWM 94 is discharged from the power cut-off power supply unit 114. Is supplied with memory holding power (backup power). Therefore, even in such a situation, the information stored in the RWM 94 is stored and held without being erased while the power for storing and holding is supplied from the power supply unit 114 for power interruption.

  Although not shown in the figure, the power supply and launch control board 111 is provided with a power supply unit for power failure processing different from the power supply unit 114 for power interruption. In the power supply and launch control board 111, even after the DC stable 24 volt power supply is less than 22 volts, the power supply unit for power failure processing discharges for a time sufficient for execution of power failure processing described later. The output of 5 volts, which is the drive power source for the control system, is configured to maintain a normal value. Thereby, MPU92 can perform and complete the process at the time of a power failure normally.

  The power supply and launch control device 79 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 51, and drives the game ball launch mechanism 51 based on specifying a predetermined launch operation on the launch handle 55.

  As a winning detection sensor, on the input side of the MPU 92, a winning detection sensor provided for the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, the lower operating port 34 and the through gate 35 in the game area. 31a, 31b, 31c, 32e, 33a, 34c, 35a, 35b (hereinafter collectively referred to as winning detection sensors 31a-35b) are electrically connected via electric wiring. In this case, the main control board 91 and each of the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b may be connected via one electrical wiring, and the relay board is interposed in the middle of each signal path. Also good. The same applies to the configuration related to connection with other devices.

  Based on the detection results of each of the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b, the MPU 92 performs a winning determination (a winning determination) for each winning portion. In addition, the MPU 92 executes a jackpot lottery based on a winning at the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34 and also executes a support lottery based on a winning at the through gate 35. When the support lottery is won, it is possible to win a game ball in the lower operation port 34.

  In addition to the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b, a magnet detection sensor 24a and a radio wave detection sensor 24b are electrically connected to the input side of the MPU 92 via electric wiring.

  The magnet detection sensor 24 a is installed on the back side of the game board 24 around the upper working port 33. As described above, since the upper operating port 33 is a trigger for the internal lottery, an act of inducing the game ball to the upper operating port 33 illegally by bringing a magnet near the upper operating port 33 in front of the window panel 57. is assumed. On the other hand, when the magnet detection sensor 24a is provided, it is possible to detect an unauthorized act using the magnet.

  The radio wave detection sensor 24 b is installed on the back side of the game board 24 around the upper working port 33 and the lower working port 34. As described above, the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are triggers for internal lottery. Therefore, the upper operating port detection sensor outputs a radio wave illegally toward the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 in front of the pachinko machine 10. It is assumed that 33a or the lower working port detection sensor 34c causes an erroneous detection of the passing of the game ball. On the other hand, when the radio wave detection sensor 24b is provided, it is possible to detect an illegal act using the radio wave. In the MPU 92, the presence / absence of the illegal act is specified based on the detection results of the magnet detection sensor 24a and the radio wave detection sensor 24b.

  A payout control device 78 and a sound light control device 72 are connected to the output side of the MPU 92.

  The payout control device 78 includes a payout control board 101 that controls the payout of game balls through the payout device 77. An MPU 102 is mounted on the payout control board 101. The MPU 102 includes a ROM 103 and an RWM 104. In the following description, the MPU 92, the ROM 93, and the RWM 94 provided in the main control device 71 are distinguished from the MPU 92, the ROM 93, and the RWM 94 provided in the main control device 71. The MPU 102, the ROM 103, and the RWM 104 provided in the payout control device 78 are referred to as the RWM 94, and are referred to as the payout side MPU 102, the payout side ROM 103, and the payout side RWM 104.

  The payout-side ROM 103 is configured to use, as a read-only memory, that does not require external power supply for storing and holding, such as a NOR flash memory or a NAND flash memory. The payout side ROM 103 stores various control programs executed by the payout side MPU 102 and fixed value data.

  The payout-side RWM 104 is configured to use a memory (that is, a volatile storage unit) that requires external power supply for storage and holding, such as SRAM and DRAM, for both reading and writing, and is capable of random access. When compared with the same data capacity, the time required for reading is shorter than that of the payout-side ROM 103. In the payout side RWM 104, various data and the like are temporarily stored when the control program stored in the payout side ROM 103 is executed. As with the main MPU 92, the payout MPU 102 is supplied with a backup voltage from the power interruption power supply unit 114 even when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off, and retains (backups) the data stored in the payout RWM 104. It can be configured.

  In addition to the above elements, the payout side MPU 102 or the payout control board 101 is provided with an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

  The payout side MPU 102 is electrically connected to the payout device 77. The payout device 77 is switched between a state in which the game ball supplied from the tank 76 to the payout device 77 does not flow downstream and a state in which the game ball is sent out downstream. A payout motor 77a for driving a ball stopper member such as a rotating body is provided, and a payout detection sensor 77b for individually detecting the game balls sent to the downstream side is provided. A payout motor 77a is electrically connected to the output side of the payout side MPU 102 via an electric wiring, and a payout detection sensor 77b is electrically connected to the input side of the payout side MPU 102 via an electric wiring. Yes. In the payout side MPU 102, the payout motor 77a is supplied with a drive signal through a driver circuit provided on the payout control board 101 to cause the game ball to be paid out, and the payout is completed based on the detection result of the payout detection sensor 77b. Know the number of game balls.

  The payout side MPU 102 is electrically connected to a ball lending connection terminal plate 106 provided in the back pack unit 15 through an electric wiring, and the ball lending connection terminal plate 106 is connected to a ball lending device through the electric wiring. Y is electrically connected. The payout-side MPU 102 performs control of renting by transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from the ball lending device Y.

  The payout side MPU 102 is electrically connected to a full detection sensor 105a for detecting whether a ball tray such as the lower plate 62a is full of game balls, and the tank 76 is in a ball-free state. A ballless detection sensor 105b for detecting whether or not there is an electrical connection.

  The payout MPU 102 controls payout of game balls based on communication with the main MPU 92. As a configuration for performing the communication, a plurality of signal paths exist between the main control board 91 and the payout control board 101. A first signal path SL1 is provided as a signal path for transmitting a prize ball command (payout command information) from the main MPU 92 to the payout MPU 102. In addition, a second signal path SL2 for transmitting a payout status command from the payout MPU 102 to the main MPU 92 is provided. Details of communication and payout status commands in the first signal path SL1 and the second signal path SL2 will be described later.

  The data transmission circuit unit 107 is connected to the output side of the main MPU 92, and the sound light control device 72 is connected to the output side of the data transmission circuit unit 107. A command transmitted from the main control device 71 to the sound light control device 72 is transmitted by the data transmission circuit unit 107 provided on the main control board 91.

  The data transmission circuit unit 107 includes a data transmission unit 107a and a transmission data storage unit 107b. The command to be transmitted is set as an output target by being stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b by the main MPU 92, and is transmitted to the sound control device 72 by the data transmission unit 107a. Here, the transmission data storage unit 107b has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of commands, specifically a storage capacity for four commands, and the stored commands are transmitted by the data transmission unit 107a. The order in which commands are transmitted is the order stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  The sound light control device 72 drives and controls the display light emitting unit 58a, the error light emitting unit 58b, and the speaker unit 59 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 71, and also performs display control. The apparatus 121 is controlled by sending a command.

  The display control device 121 analyzes various commands received from the sound light control device 72 or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received various commands to control the display of images on the display surface G of the symbol display device 41.

  Further, on the output side of the main MPU 92, a variable winning drive unit 32 c that opens and closes the opening / closing door 32 b of the variable winning device 32, and an electric combination drive unit 34 b that opens and closes the electric combination 34 a of the lower working port 34, A main display unit 43 and an accessory display unit 44 are connected. The main control board 91 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 92 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits. The main MPU 92 also performs light emission control of the first reserved light emitting unit 45 and the second reserved light emitting unit 46.

<Electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the main MPU 92>
Next, an electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the main MPU 92 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main MPU 92 uses lots of counter information in the game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, display setting of the main display unit 43, symbol display setting of the symbol display device 41, display setting of the accessory display unit 44, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery in which the jackpot is generated, the jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the jackpot type, and the symbol display device 41 fluctuate. Reach random number counter C3 used for reach generation lottery, random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of jackpot random number counter C1, and variation for determining display continuation time in main display unit 43 and symbol display device 41 The type counter CS is used. Furthermore, the electric accessory release counter C4 used for the lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 34a of the lower working port 34 is in the electric utility open state is used. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in the lottery counter area 94a of the main RWM 94.

  The game result distribution destination for the big hit type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area as a distribution information group storage means in the main ROM 93. As the distribution destination, a normal jackpot result and a probable variation jackpot result are set.

  The normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the success / failure lottery mode becomes the low probability mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. Further, the probability variation jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends.

  In the gaming state in which the low-probability mode success / failure table is referred to in the lottery, the number of random numbers that win the big win is smaller than in the gaming state in which the high-probability mode success / failure table is referenced. If the winning probability in the high probability mode is higher than that in the low probability mode, the number of random numbers to be won is arbitrary.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals. Information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in a holding storage area 94b as an acquisition information storage means when a winning to the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34 occurs. Is done.

  The holding storage area 94b includes a holding area RE and an execution area AE. The holding area RE includes a first holding area RE1, a second holding area RE2, a third holding area RE3, and a fourth holding area RE4, and matches the winning history to the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. The numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer is stored as hold information in any of the hold areas RE1 to RE4.

  In this case, in the first reservation area RE1 to the fourth reservation area RE4, when the winning to the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34 is continuously generated a plurality of times, the first reservation area RE1 → the second reservation area. Each numerical information is stored in time series in the order of RE2 → third reserved area RE3 → fourth reserved area RE4. By providing the four holding areas RE1 to RE4 as described above, up to four game balls winning histories to the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 are stored on hold. Further, the holding area RE includes a holding number storage area NA, and the holding number storage area NA stores the number of the winning history to the upper operation port 33 or the lower operation port 34 (holding number N). ) Is stored.

  Note that the number that can be reserved and stored is not limited to four, but may be any other number such as two, three, or five or more.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first holding area RE1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display on the main display unit 43, and at the start of one game round. Based on various numerical information stored in the execution area AE, determination of whether or not is made is performed.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot with respect to the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored as a success / failure table (win / failure information group) in the success / failure table storage area as the success / failure information group storage means in the main ROM 93. As the success / failure table, a success / failure table for the low probability mode (low probability success / failure information group) and a high probability mode's success / failure table (high probability success / failure information group) are set. That is, in the present pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery mode in the winning lottery means.

<About various processes executed by the main MPU 92>
Next, each process performed in order to advance the game in the main side MPU 92 will be described. The main MPU 92 is roughly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on and a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 4 msec).

<Main processing>
First, the main process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S101, power-on wait processing is executed. In the power-on wait process, for example, the process waits without progressing to the next process until 1 sec elapses after the main process is activated. In the subsequent step S102, access to the main RWM 94 is permitted, and the internal function register of the main MPU 92 is set in step S103.

  Thereafter, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the RWM erase switch provided in the power supply and launch control device 79 is manually operated. In subsequent step S105, “1” is set to the power failure flag of the main RWM 94. It is determined whether or not. In step S106, a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum is executed. In subsequent step S107, whether or not the checksum matches the checksum stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data is checked. judge.

  In the pachinko machine 10, for example, when the RWM data is initialized when the power is turned on, such as when the game hall is started, the power is turned on while the RWM erase switch is pressed. Therefore, if the RWM erase switch is pressed, the process proceeds to step S108. Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power shutdown is not set, or when an abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the checksum, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the main RWM 94 is cleared as initialization of the main RWM 94. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

  On the other hand, if the RWM erase switch has not been pressed, “1” is set in the power failure flag and the checksum is normal, and the process of step S109 is not executed without executing the process of step S108. Proceed to In step S109, a power-on setting process is executed. In the power-on setting process, a predetermined area of the main RWM 94 such as initialization of a power failure flag is set to an initial value, and a command corresponding to the current gaming state is given to the sound control device 72 in order to recognize the current gaming state. Send to. Also, a payout initialization command indicating that the payout side RWM 104 should be initialized is transmitted to the payout side MPU 102. Furthermore, an interrupt permission is set to permit the generation of timer interrupt processing.

  Then, it progresses to the residual process of step S110-step S113. That is, the main MPU 92 is configured to periodically execute the timer interrupt process, but a remaining time is generated between one timer interrupt process and the next timer interrupt process. The remaining time varies depending on the processing completion time of each timer interrupt process, but the remaining processes in steps S110 to S113 are repeatedly executed using such irregular time. In this regard, it can be said that the remaining processes in steps S110 to S113 are non-periodic processes that are performed irregularly.

  In the remaining process, first, in step S110, an interrupt prohibition setting is performed to prohibit the generation of the timer interrupt process. In the subsequent step S111, a random number initial value update process for updating the random number initial value counter CINI is executed, and a change counter update process for updating the change type counter CS is executed in step S112.

  In these update processes, the current numerical information is read from the corresponding counter of the main RWM 94, the process of adding 1 to the read numerical information is executed, and then the process of overwriting the reading source counter is executed. In this case, each counter value is cleared to “0” when it reaches the maximum value.

  Thereafter, in step S113, an interrupt permission setting for switching from a state in which the generation of timer interrupt processing is prohibited to a state in which the timer interrupt processing is permitted is performed. If the process of step S113 is performed, it will return to step S110 and will repeat the process of step S110-step S113.

<Timer interrupt processing>
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, a hardware configuration for periodically executing timer interrupt processing in the main MPU 92 will be described. The main control board 91 is provided with a clock circuit as pulse signal output means for outputting a pulse signal at a predetermined cycle, and further divided so as to exist in the middle of the signal path between the clock circuit and the main MPU 92. A peripheral circuit is provided.

  The frequency dividing circuit functions as a frequency changing unit that changes the cycle of the pulse signal from the clock circuit, and is configured to output a pulse signal for specifying the start timing of the timer interrupt processing by the main MPU 92. . That is, the pulse signal is supplied from the frequency dividing circuit to the main MPU 92 at intervals of a specific period of 4 msec. The main MPU 92 executes a process for confirming the occurrence of a specific signal form such as the rise or fall of the pulse signal, and starts the timer interrupt process with at least one condition confirming the occurrence of the specific signal form. And execute.

  In this case, when the occurrence of the specific signal form is confirmed in the situation where the start of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, the timer is changed when the interrupt is permitted from the state where the interrupt is prohibited. Interrupt processing is started. In other words, depending on the execution status of the process in the main MPU 92, the next timer interrupt process may start after 4.1 msec from the start of the previous timer interrupt process. The next timer interrupt process is started after 3.9 msec from the start of the immediately preceding timer interrupt process.

  The case where the timer interrupt process is not started even though 4 msec has elapsed is when the interrupt prohibition is set in step S110 and 4 msec elapses while the remaining process is being executed. . Therefore, the start timing of the timer interrupt process varies depending on the execution status of the residual process.

  However, since the output of the pulse signal from the frequency divider circuit is performed at a specific cycle of 4 msec regardless of the progress of the process in the main MPU 92, the timer interrupt processing is basically started at a specific cycle. Furthermore, the processing configuration of the main MPU 92 is such that even if the timer interrupt process at a predetermined timing is started after a period exceeding a specific period since the previous timer interrupt process was started, The timer interrupt process at this timing absorbs the amount exceeding the specific period, and the timer interrupt process at the next timing is set to be started at the timing when the input of the pulse signal is confirmed.

  Note that the mode in which the timer interrupt processing is periodically started is not limited to the above mode and is basically started at a predetermined cycle such as 4 msec. Even if a new timer interrupt process is started after the elapse of the time corresponding to the predetermined period due to the fact that the timing corresponding to the period of the elapses is in the middle of the remaining process, the next timer The interrupt processing may be configured not to be started at a timing before the elapse of time corresponding to a predetermined period after the new timer interrupt processing is started. In other words, the timer interrupt processing is basically started at a predetermined cycle and may be started at an interval exceeding the predetermined cycle in relation to the remaining processing, It is good also as a structure which is not started by an interval. Even in this case, the start interval of the timer interrupt process can vary in relation to the remaining process.

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a power failure information storage process is executed in step S201. In the power outage information storage process, when the power outage signal corresponding to the occurrence of the power cut-off is received from the power outage monitoring board 96 through the input / output port provided in the main MPU 92, the occurrence of the power outage is specified. Performs processing during a power failure.

  In the process for power failure, a checksum calculation process for information stored in the main RWM 94 is executed. The checksum calculated here is stored in the main RWM 94. Thereafter, all the information of the output port of the main RWM 94 is set to “0”, and access to the main RWM 94 is prohibited. Then, the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  In subsequent step S202, a lottery random number update process is executed. In the lottery random number update process, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, after executing the process of sequentially reading the current numerical information from the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4, and adding 1 to each of the read numerical information Then, a process of overwriting the reading source counter is executed.

  In this case, each counter value is cleared to “0” when it reaches the maximum value. For the jackpot random number counter C1, when the numerical information is updated once, the initial value information is read from the corresponding random number initial value counter CINI, and the read initial value information is used as the new initial value of the cycle. Overwrite as.

  Here, the update of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is in a state where the game is normally progressing (specifically, a negative determination is made in step S207 described later). It is configured to be executed once with respect to one execution of the special figure special electric control process in step S214 described later. In the special figure special power control process, a process of monitoring a winning at the operating ports 33 and 34 is executed, and when a winning at the operating ports 33 and 34 occurs, a big hit random number counter C1 and a big hit type Processing for obtaining numerical information from the counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is executed. Then, based on the acquired numerical information, a success / failure determination process for determining whether or not the jackpot is won, a distribution determination process for distributing the jackpot type, and a reach determination process for determining whether or not a reach has been won are executed.

  In other words, each of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is configured such that the update process of the numerical information is performed once for each opportunity that the numerical information can be acquired. ing. As described above, each of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is assumed that the update cycle is completed once when all target numerical information is set once. Determined. Therefore, if the jackpot winning is generated with the probability set in the design stage of the pachinko machine 10, and if the jackpot winning is generated, the ratio set in the design stage of the pachinko machine 10 is set to any of the jackpot results. Sorted. In addition, when the jackpot is not won, the reach display is generated with the probability set in the design stage of the pachinko machine 10.

  In addition, the update of the electric accessory release counter C4 is performed in the state in which the game is normally progressing (specifically, in a state in which a negative determination is made in step S207 described later), the normal power transmission in step S215 described later. The control process is executed once for each execution. In the ordinary power transmission control process, a process for monitoring a winning to the through gate 35 is executed, and when a winning to the through gate 35 occurs, numerical information is obtained from the electric accessory opening counter C4. The acquisition process is executed. Then, based on the acquired numerical information, a determination process is performed as to whether or not the electric accessory 34a is to be opened.

  In other words, the electric accessory release counter C4 has a configuration in which the numerical information update process is performed once for each opportunity that the numerical information can be acquired. Then, as described above, the electric accessory release counter C4 determines that the update lap has been completed once when all the target numerical information is set once. Therefore, the winning combination of the electric accessory 34a occurs with the probability set in the design stage of the pachinko machine 10.

  Thereafter, in step S203, random number initial value update processing is executed. In the random number initial value update process, the random number initial value update process is executed as in step S111. In step S204, the variation counter update process is executed as in step S112.

  In subsequent step S205, magnet detection processing is executed. In the magnet detection process, it is first determined whether or not the magnet detection sensor 24a is ON. Specifically, the magnet detection sensor 24a outputs a magnet detection signal corresponding to the non-detection when the generation of magnetism by the magnet is not detected, and is detected when the generation of magnetism by the magnet is detected. The magnet detection signal corresponding to the inside is output. The magnet detection signal is input to the input port of the main MPU 92 when the driver IC sets the signal as an input target to the main MPU 92. By monitoring the input port, it is determined whether or not the magnet detection sensor 24a is detecting the occurrence of magnetism.

  When the magnet detection sensor 24a is ON and when the ON state is continuously detected over a plurality of processing times of the timer interrupt process, the magnet detection state is set. Thereafter, an abnormal external output start process is executed in order for the gaming hall management computer to recognize that the occurrence of fraud using the magnet has been identified. In the external output start process, when the magnet detection state is set, an abnormal command for notifying the occurrence of an illegal act is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b to be set as an output target.

  In a succeeding step S206, a game stop determination process is executed. In the game stop determination process, it is determined whether or not the magnet has been detected in step S205. If an affirmative determination is made in the game stop determination process, it is determined that the progress of the game is to be stopped, and if a negative determination is made, it is specified that the progress of the game is not to be stopped. .

  Thereafter, in step S207, it is determined whether or not the progress of the game is stopped, and the process of the transition to step S208 is executed on condition that the progress of the game is not stopped.

  In step S208, port output processing is executed. In the port output process, when the output information is set in the previous timer interrupt process, a process for performing output corresponding to the output information to the various drive units 32c and 34b is executed. For example, when the information for switching the special winning opening 32a to the open state is set, the output of the drive signal to the variable winning drive unit 32c is started, and when the information for switching to the closed state is set. The output of the drive signal is stopped. When the information for switching the electric accessory 34a of the lower working port 34 to the open state is set, the output of the drive signal to the electric accessory driving unit 34b is started, and the information to be switched to the closed state is set. If so, the output of the drive signal is stopped.

  In subsequent step S209, a reading process is executed. In the reading process, signals other than the power failure signal and the winning signal are read, and the read information is stored for use in future processing.

  In subsequent step S210, a winning detection process is executed. In the winning detection process, the signals received from the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b are read, and the general winning port 31, the large winning port 32a, the upper operating port 33, the lower operating port 34 and the through gate 35 are won. Execute the process to identify the presence or absence.

  Here, the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b output a winning detection signal of a LOW level corresponding to non-detection when a game ball is not detected, and during detection when a game ball is detected. A corresponding HI level winning detection signal is output. Note that the relationship between the LOW level and the HI level may be reversed. The winning detection signal is input to the input port of the main MPU 92 when the signal is set as an input target to the main MPU 92 by the driver IC.

  In the main MPU 92, the winning detection signal input by any one of the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b is at the LOW level in the predetermined processing time of the timer interrupt process, and at the HI level in the next processing time. Further, if the HI level is also reached in the next processing round, it is determined that the game ball has won at the winning opening corresponding to the input source sensor. As described above, the main MPU 92 determines whether or not there is a game ball winning when noise is input from the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b by determining whether or not there is a winning based on a plurality of winning detection signals. Can be prevented.

  With the above configuration, the main MPU 92 executes the timer interruption process three times when determining the winning of the game ball. Therefore, it is the structure which does not detect the winning in the same winning opening continuously in a plurality of processing times.

  In the subsequent step S211, timer update processing for updating the numerical information of a plurality of types of timer counters provided in the main RWM 94 is executed. In this case, the timer counter that is updated by subtracting the stored numerical information is handled in an integrated manner. However, both the updating of the subtracting timer counter and the updating of the adding timer counter are performed collectively. It is good also as a structure.

  In the subsequent step S212, a launch control process for controlling the launch of the game ball is executed. In a situation where the firing operation is continued with respect to the firing handle 55, one game ball is launched at a predetermined firing period of 0.6 sec.

  In the subsequent step S213, as the input state monitoring process, based on the information read in the reading process in step S209, the disconnection confirmation of each of the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b and the opening confirmation of the gaming machine main body 12 and the front door frame 14 are performed. I do.

  In the subsequent step S214, special figure special electric control processing for performing execution control of game times and execution control of the opening / closing execution mode is executed.

  In the subsequent step S215, the ordinary power control process is executed. In the ordinary map / electric power control process, when a winning to the through gate 35 is generated, a process for acquiring the retained information on the ordinary map side is executed and the retained information on the ordinary map side is stored. In addition, a release determination is performed on the hold information, and a process for performing an effect for a normal diagram is executed using the release determination as a trigger. Moreover, the process which opens and closes the electrically-driven accessory 34a of the lower working port 34 based on the result of opening determination is performed.

  In subsequent step S216, based on the processing results of immediately preceding step S214 and step S215, setting of output information for reflecting the increase / decrease number of the hold information related to the main display unit 43 in the first hold light emitting unit 45, and The output information for reflecting the increase / decrease number of the hold information related to the accessory display unit 44 to the second hold light emitting unit 46 is set. Specifically, in the first reserved light emitting unit 45 and the second reserved light emitting unit 46 each having a plurality of light emitting units, the number of light emitting units to be in a predetermined light emitting state is changed. For example, when the number of the hold information related to the main display unit 43 is increased by 1, one light emitting unit included in the first hold light emitting unit 45 is changed from the non-light emitting state to the light emitting state, and the number of the holding information is set to 1. When the number decreases, one light emitting unit included in the first reserved light emitting unit 45 is changed from the light emitting state to the non-light emitting state.

  Here, the symbol display device 41 displays the hold information corresponding to the output information of the first hold light emitting unit 45, and the main MPU 92 issues a hold display command corresponding to the output information of the first hold light emitting unit 45. It is set as an output target by storing it in the transmission data storage unit 107b. The hold display command is composed of a plurality of bits and includes information on the number of hold information. Specifically, the hold display command consists of 2-byte information. The hold display command includes upper information and lower information, and each piece of information is composed of 1 byte. Information specifying that the command is a hold display command including this command is set in the upper information, and information on a specific number of holds is set in the lower information.

  The hold display command set as the output target is transmitted from the data transmission circuit unit 107 to the sound control device 72. The sound light control device 72 transmits to the display control device 121 a command for executing display corresponding to the number of hold information included in the received hold display command. The display control device 121 that has received the hold display command causes the symbol display device 41 to execute display corresponding to the number of hold information. Specifically, when the display indicating the number of holds N is executed on the symbol display device 41 and the number of holds N increases or decreases, the number of holds also increases or decreases in the display.

  As already described, the increase in the hold information related to the main display unit 43 is executed based on winning in the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34. The upper working port 33 is provided with an upper working port detection sensor 33a, and the lower working port 34 is provided with a lower working port detection sensor 34c. The winning monitoring for the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 is executed in the winning detection process in each processing time of the timer interrupt process. Therefore, two on-hold display commands can be set based on winning of the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 in the same processing time of the timer interrupt processing.

  In step S216, the output information for updating the display content of the main display unit 43 is set based on the processing results of the immediately preceding steps S214 and S215, and the display content of the accessory display unit 44 is set. Set the output information to be updated.

  In subsequent step S217, a fraud detection process for monitoring whether or not a predetermined event set as a fraud monitoring target has occurred is executed. In the fraud detection process, it is confirmed whether or not the radio wave detection sensor 24b detects radio waves. Details of the fraud notification process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S218, a demonstration display process is executed for setting the display content of the symbol display device 41 for standby display in a situation where neither the game times nor the opening / closing execution mode is executed. In step S219, Then, the contents of the command and signal received from the payout-side MPU 102 are confirmed, and a payout state reception process for performing a process corresponding to the confirmation result is executed. In step S220, a payout output process for setting a prize ball command as an output target is executed.

  In the subsequent step S221, an external information setting process for controlling the start and end of the output of the external signal according to the processing results of the various processes executed in the current timer interrupt process is executed. In step S222, processing for editing the test test information is executed.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S207, or after the processing of steps S208 to S222 is executed, the process proceeds to step S223. In step S223, an interrupt end declaration is set. In the main MPU 92, once timer interrupt processing is started, it is stipulated that an interrupt end declaration is set as one of the conditions for starting the next timer interrupt processing. Set the interrupt end declaration to enable the timer interrupt processing. In step S224, interrupt permission is set. In the main MPU 92, once the timer interrupt processing is started, the interrupt is disabled. Therefore, in step S224, interrupt permission is set to enable execution of the next timer interrupt processing. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is terminated.

<Special Figure Special Electric Control Process>
Next, the special figure special power control process executed in step S214 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) will be described.

  In the special figure special electric control process, when a winning to the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34 is generated, a process for acquiring the holding information is executed and when the holding information is stored, the holding is performed. A determination is made as to whether or not the information is correct, and further, a process for performing an effect for game times is executed using the determination as to whether or not the information is correct. In addition, based on the result of the determination, the processing for shifting to the opening / closing execution mode after the effect for playing the game is executed, and the processing during the opening / closing execution mode and at the end of the opening / closing execution mode is executed.

  In the special figure special power control process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, in step S301, the hold information acquisition process is executed. In the hold information acquisition process, it is determined whether or not a prize has been generated for the upper working port 33 or the lower working port 34. If a winning has occurred, the reserved information is stored in the reserved number storage area NA in the reserved storage area 104b. The stored number of holds N is read, and it is determined whether or not the number of holds is less than the upper limit (“4” in the present embodiment). When the number of holds N is less than the upper limit, the number of holds is incremented by 1 and the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 updated in the previous step S203 is held. Store in the first reserved area among the empty reserved areas RE1 to RE4 of the service area RE.

  In addition, when winning to the upper working port 33 and the lower working port 34 occurs at the same time, the process for obtaining the hold information is performed a plurality of times within a range in which the hold information obtaining process is executed once. Run.

  After executing the hold information acquisition process in step S301, the process proceeds to step S302. In step S302, a process of reading information of a special figure special electricity counter provided in the main RWM 94 is executed. In a succeeding step S303, a process of reading the special figure special power address table from the main ROM 93 is executed. In step S304, a process of acquiring a start address corresponding to the information of the special figure special power counter from the special figure special electric address table is executed.

  Here, the processing content of step S302-step S304 is demonstrated.

  As already described, the special figure special electric control process includes a process related to a game-playing effect and a process related to an opening / closing execution mode. In this case, as a process related to the effect for game times, a special figure change start process that is a process for starting the effect for game times and a process for changing the effect for the game times are processed. A middle process and a special figure finalizing process which is a process for ending the effect for game times are set. In addition, as a process related to the opening / closing execution mode, a special electricity start process which is a process for controlling the opening of the opening / closing execution mode, and a special electricity opening process which is a process for controlling the open state of the special winning opening 32a The special electricity closing process, which is a process for controlling the closed state of the special winning opening 32a, and the special electricity termination, which is a process for controlling the ending of the opening / closing execution mode and the transition of the gaming state at the end of the opening / closing execution mode Processing is set.

  In such a processing configuration, the special figure special electricity counter is a counter for the main side MPU 92 to grasp which of the above-mentioned plural types of processing should be executed. Corresponding to the numerical information of the special figure special electricity counter, the start address in the program for executing the above-mentioned plural types of processing is set.

  The special figure special power address table will be described. The special figure special power counter can set numerical information of “0” to “6”, and the special figure special power address table has one pair for each numerical information of the special figure special power counter. 1 is associated with start address information ("SA0" to "SA6"). In this case, the start address SA0 is the start address of the program for executing the special figure variation start process, and the start address SA1 is the start address of the program for executing the special figure variation process, and the start address SA2 Is the start address of the program for executing the special figure determining process, the start address SA3 is the program start address for executing the special electricity start process, and the start address SA4 is executing the special electricity release process The start address SA5 is the start address of the program for executing the special electric power closing process, and the start address SA6 is the start address of the program for executing the special electric power end process. .

  The special figure special electric power counter is the special figure special electric power control in the next processing time when the condition for updating the numerical information is satisfied when the processing corresponding to the numerical information currently stored is completed. Corresponding to the processing executed in the processing, 1 addition, 1 subtraction, or “0” is cleared (initialized). Therefore, in the special figure special power control process at each processing time, a process corresponding to the numerical information set in the special figure special electric power counter may be executed.

  Below, using the special figure special electricity counter and special figure special electricity address table, special figure fluctuation start processing, special figure fluctuation processing, special figure confirmation processing, special electricity start processing, special electricity opening processing, special electricity closing processing, and A processing configuration for executing the special electricity ending process will be described, and a processing configuration of each processing will be specifically described.

  After executing the process of step S304, a zero flag setting process is executed in step S305. In the zero flag setting process, the numerical information of the special figure special power timer counter is read, and when the numerical information of the special figure special electric timer counter is “0”, the zero flag provided in the register of the main MPU 92 is set to “1”. Execute the process. The special figure special power timer counter is a counter that is used for the main MPU 92 to specify the update timing of the special figure special electricity counter according to the passage of time.

  In the subsequent step S306, a process of jumping (shifting) to the process indicated by the start address acquired in step S304 is executed. Specifically, if the acquired start address is SA0, the process jumps to the special figure change start process in step S307, and if the acquired start address is SA1, the process jumps to the special figure change process in step S308. If the acquired start address is SA2, the process jumps to the special figure determining process in step S309, and if the acquired start address is SA3, the process jumps to the special electricity start process in step S310. If it is SA4, the process jumps to the special power open process in step S311. If the acquired start address is SA5, the process jumps to the special power close process in step S312, and if the acquired start address is SA6. The process jumps to the special electricity ending process in step S313. When the processes of step S307 to step S313 are executed, the special figure special power control process is terminated.

  Hereinafter, the process of step S307-step S313 is demonstrated separately.

  First, the special figure variation start process of step S307 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S401, it is determined whether or not the holding number N is 1 or more. If the number of holds N is “0”, the special figure variation start process is terminated as it is. If the number N of holds is 1 or more, a data setting process is executed in step S402.

  In the data setting process, first, the hold number N is decremented by 1, and the data (that is, hold information) stored in the first hold area RE1 of the hold area RE is moved to the execution area AE. Thereafter, a process of shifting the data (that is, the hold information) stored in each of the hold areas RE1 to RE4 of the hold area RE is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the first reservation area RE1 to the fourth reservation area RE4 to the lower area side, and clears the data in the first reservation area RE1 and the second The data in each area is shifted such as the reserved area RE2 → the first reserved area RE1, the third reserved area RE3 → the second reserved area RE2, and the fourth reserved area RE4 → the third reserved area RE3.

  In the present embodiment, when the sound light control device 72 receives a change command set in step S411, which will be described later, the sound light control device 72 uses the symbol display device 41 to display the display control device 121. The hold number to be displayed is decremented by 1, and the hold number corresponding to the hold number N is displayed.

  Specifically, a command for executing display by subtracting 1 from the number of the hold information is transmitted to the display control device 121. The display control device 121 that has received the command causes the symbol display device 41 to execute display by subtracting 1 from the number of the hold information. This display is configured to change the display number of unit images corresponding to the presence of the hold information. In this configuration, when the number of hold information increases, the number of unit images to be displayed is increased, and when the number of hold information decreases, the number of unit images to be displayed is decreased.

  In a succeeding step S403, an appropriateness determination process is executed. In the success / failure determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the success / failure lottery mode is a high probability mode. In the case of the high probability mode, referring to the high probability mode success / failure table provided in the main ROM 93, the information for the success / failure determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the jackpot random number counter C1 It is determined whether or not the numerical information matches the high probability jackpot numerical information. In the case of the low probability mode, the numerical information related to the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE is referred to the low probability mode determination table provided in the main ROM 93. It is determined whether or not it matches the jackpot value information.

  In a succeeding step S404, it is determined whether or not the result of the success / failure determination process in the step S403 is a jackpot winning result. If the result is a big win, the distribution determination process is executed in step S405. In the distribution determination process, information for distribution determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, numerical information related to the big hit type counter C2 is grasped. Then, with reference to the distribution table provided in the main ROM 93, it is specified which jackpot result corresponds to the numerical information relating to the above-obtained jackpot type counter C2. Specifically, it specifies which jackpot result corresponds to the low probability jackpot result or the high probability jackpot result.

  In the subsequent step S406, a stop result setting process for the big hit result is executed. Specifically, the information on the pattern mode to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 43 in the game round related to the start of the fluctuation is specified from the stop result table for the jackpot result stored in the main ROM 93 in advance. Then, the specified information is stored in the main RWM 94. In the jackpot result stop result table, information on the pattern mode to be stopped and displayed on the main display unit 43 is set differently for each type of jackpot result.

  In subsequent step S407, a flag setting process corresponding to the distribution determination result is executed. Specifically, the main RWM 94 is provided with a flag corresponding to each type of jackpot result. In step S407, among the flags corresponding to each type of jackpot result, the distribution determination result in step S405 is displayed. “1” is set for the corresponding flag.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the result is not a jackpot winning result, a stop result setting process for a losing result is executed in step S408. Specifically, the information on the pattern mode to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 43 in the game turn related to the start of the current change is specified from the stop result table for the detachment result stored in the main ROM 93 in advance. Then, the specified information is stored in the main RWM 94. The information on the pattern mode selected in this case is different from the information on the pattern mode selected in the case of the jackpot result.

  After executing any of the processes of step S407 and step S408, in step S409, a process of grasping the display duration (display duration) is executed. In such processing, numerical value information of the variation type counter CS is acquired. In addition, it is determined whether or not reach display occurs in the symbol display device 41 in the current game round. Specifically, it is determined that the reach display is generated when the game times related to the start of the change this time is a high probability big hit result or a low likelihood big hit result. If the numerical information related to the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is not the result of any jackpot, but is numerical information corresponding to the occurrence of reach, it is determined that reach display occurs.

  If it is determined that reach display occurs, display duration information corresponding to the numerical information of the current variation type counter CS is acquired by referring to the reach generation display duration table stored in the main ROM 93. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the reach display does not occur, the display duration time corresponding to the numerical information of the current variation type counter CS is referred to the reach non-occurrence display duration table stored in the main ROM 93. Get information. Incidentally, the display duration that can be acquired with reference to the reach non-occurrence display duration table is different from the display duration that can be acquired with reference to the reach occurrence display duration table.

  Note that the display duration information when no reach occurs is set so that the display duration is shorter as the number N of holds is larger. In addition, in the case of various jackpot results, a display duration table may be individually set for each of the case of outreach and the case of a non-reach outbreak result. In this case, the display duration time is allocated according to each game result.

  In subsequent step S410, the display duration information acquired in step S409 is set in the special figure special electricity timer counter. The update of the numerical information set in the timer counter is executed by the timer update process (FIG. 9) already described. By the way, as the effects for the game times, the variation display of the symbols on the main display unit 43 and the variation display of the symbols on the symbol display device 41 are performed, but when these variation displays are ended, In a state in which the stop result is displayed (in the symbol display device 41, a state in which a predetermined symbol combination is waited on the active line), the symbol is finally displayed (final stop display) over a fixed time (final stop time). In this case, the display continuation time acquired in step S409 is a time obtained by subtracting the fixed time from the total time for one game. In this respect, the display continuation time can be rephrased as a time before confirmation (time before final stop).

  In the subsequent step S411, the change command and the type command are stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b to be set as an output target. The change command and the type command are composed of a plurality of bits. Specifically, both commands are composed of 2-byte information. Both commands have upper information and lower information, and each piece of information is composed of 1 byte. Information specifying that it is a production command is set in the upper information, and specific information is set in the lower information. The effect-related command is a command for causing an effect related to the game to be performed through the symbol display device 41, the display light emitting unit 58a, and the speaker unit 59. The details of the specific information are shown below.

  The change command includes display duration information. Here, the display duration obtained by referring to the display non-occurrence display duration table as described above is different from the display duration obtained by referring to the display occurrence time table for reach occurrence. Even if the information on the presence or absence of the reach is not included in the command for use, the sound and light control device 72 as the sub-side control device can specify the presence or absence of the reach from the information on the display duration. In this regard, it can be said that the change command includes information indicating whether or not reach has occurred. Note that the change command may include information that directly indicates whether or not reach has occurred.

  The type command includes game result information. In other words, the type command includes information on the low probability jackpot result or information on the high probability jackpot result as the game result information. The change command and the type command set as output targets in step S411 are transmitted to the sound light control device 72, which is a sub-side control device.

  When receiving the variation command and the type command, the sound light control device 72 executes a process for setting a production-type sound emission pattern corresponding to the variation command and the type command.

  In subsequent step S412, the display of the variation of the pattern on the main display unit 43 is started. In the subsequent step S413, 1 is added to the special figure special electricity counter. In this case, the numerical information of the special figure special power counter when the special figure fluctuation start process is executed is “0”. Therefore, when the process of step S413 is executed, the numerical information of the special figure special electric power counter is “1”. " Thereafter, the special figure variation start process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of the special figure special electric control process (FIG. 10), in the special figure changing process executed in step S308, it is determined whether or not the display continuation time in the current game round effect has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in this determination, the confirmation command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b and set as an output target. The confirmation command is a command for causing the sound light control device 72, which is a sub-side control device, to recognize that it is the timing to start the confirmation display for the current game turn effect.

  In the special figure finalizing process executed in step S309, it is determined whether or not the finalized time in the current game round effect has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in this determination, it is determined whether or not the winning / failing determination result that triggered the current game is a jackpot result. When the determination result is a jackpot result, the opening command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b and set as an output target. The opening command is a command for recognizing that it is time to start the effect for the opening / closing execution mode with respect to the sound light control device 72 which is the sub-side control device.

  In the special electricity starting process executed in step S310, it is determined whether or not the opening time in the current opening / closing execution mode has elapsed. When an affirmative determination is made in this determination, information on the opening continuation time is set, and an opening setting process for setting the special winning opening 32a to an open state is executed.

  In the special power release opening process executed in step S311, it is determined whether or not the opening duration in the current round game has elapsed. When an affirmative determination is made in this determination, information on the closing time is set, and a closing setting process for setting the special winning opening 32a to the closed state is executed.

  In the special electricity closing process executed in step S312, it is determined whether or not all round games in the current opening / closing execution mode have been completed. When an affirmative determination is made in this determination, the ending command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b and set as an output target. The ending command is a command for causing the sound and light control device 72, which is a control device on the sub side, to recognize that it is a timing to start an effect for ending.

  In the special electricity ending process executed in step S313, it is determined whether or not the ending time has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in this determination, gaming state transition processing is executed. In the game state transition process, the type of jackpot result that triggered the transition to the opening / closing execution mode that was completed this time is confirmed by referring to the flag of the main RWM 94, and the lottery mode corresponding to the confirmed type of jackpot result Set to.

  As described above, in steps S307 to S312, various commands are set in the transmission data storage unit 107b by the main MPU 92.

<Injustice detection processing>
Next, the fraud detection process executed in step S217 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) will be described.

  In the fraud detection process, it is monitored whether or not there is an act of trying to illegally generate a winning game ball using radio waves, and it is dealt with when it is identified that the fraudulent act has occurred. Execute the process for However, the occurrence of fraud detected in this fraud detection process does not trigger the progress of the game in the gaming machine stop determination process executed in step S206 of the timer interrupt process.

  In the fraud detection process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the radio wave detection sensor 24b is ON. Specifically, the radio wave detection sensor 24b outputs a LOW level radio wave detection signal corresponding to non-detection when no radio wave is detected, and also supports HI during detection when radio wave is detected. A level radio wave detection signal is output. Note that the relationship between the LOW level and the HI level may be reversed. The radio wave detection signal is input to the input port of the main MPU 92 when the signal is set as an input target to the main MPU 92 by the driver IC. In step S501, the input port is monitored to determine whether or not the radio wave detection sensor 24b is detecting radio waves. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, it is determined whether or not the radio wave detection command has been set. Specifically, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the radio wave detection command set flag provided in the main RWM 94. If a negative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S503, it is determined whether or not the radio wave has been detected. Specifically, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the radio wave detected flag provided in the main RWM 94. If a negative determination is made in step S503, the process proceeds to step S504 and 1 is added to the radio wave detected counter provided in the main side RWM 94.

  In a succeeding step S505, it is determined whether or not the value of the radio wave detected counter is “2”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S505, the process proceeds to step S506 and the radio wave detection completed state is set. Specifically, “1” is set to the radio wave detected flag.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S503 or after execution of step S506, it is determined in step S507 whether or not the capacity of the transmission data storage unit 107b is empty. If an affirmative determination is made in step S507, the radio wave detection command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b in the subsequent step S508 to set it as an output target.

  The radio wave detection command is a command for causing the sound light control device 72, which is the sub-side control device, to recognize that the main MPU 92 has identified the radio wave detection state. The sound light control device 72 sets a sound emission pattern for radio wave detection when a radio wave detection command is received. Specifically, the radio wave detection command consists of 2-byte information. It has a radio wave detection command, upper information and lower information, and each piece of information is composed of 1 byte. Information for identifying fraud detection commands is set in the upper information, and information for specifically detecting fraud using radio waves is set in the lower information. The radio wave detection command is set as an output target by storing it in the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  In the subsequent step S509, the radio wave detected flag is cleared. In the subsequent step S510, the value of the radio wave detected counter is cleared, and in the subsequent step S511, the radio wave detection command is set to the set state. Specifically, “1” is set to the radio wave detection command set flag.

  In subsequent step S512, an abnormal external output start process is executed in order for the gaming hall management computer to recognize that the occurrence of an illegal act using radio waves has been identified. The output setting for the external terminal board 81 is executed in the external information setting process in step S221 in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9).

  If a negative determination is made in step S507 or after execution of step S512, the fraud detection process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S501, the radio wave detection command set flag is cleared in step S513. If an affirmative determination is made in step S502, a negative determination is made in step S505, or after execution of step S513, the fraud detection process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the capacity of the transmission data storage unit 107b is four commands, and commands set as output targets in the timer interrupt process are stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b in the order set as output targets. Stored.

  Here, during one processing of the timer interrupt process, in the special figure special power control process executed in step S214, the variable command and the type command are set as output targets, and the display control process executed in step S216 thereafter. Then, two hold display commands can be set as output targets when the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are awarded.

  In this case, all the capacity of the four commands is used by the command, and the radio wave detection command and the payout status command that may be generated in the subsequent processing cannot be stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is an empty space in the transmission data storage unit 107b after detecting fraud and before setting the radio wave detection command as an output target. The command is set to be output. Further, when a negative determination is made in the above determination, the setting process for the output target is skipped while “1” is stored in the radio wave detected flag.

  The setting of the skipped radio wave detection command as the output target is performed when the capacity of the transmission data storage unit 107b is free in the next and subsequent processing times. As described above, even when the command setting is skipped, the flag indicating the detection of fraud is set, so the four commands stored before the radio wave detection command are transmitted and skipped. The command can be set in the subsequent processing times. In addition, since the command setting process is suspended in the state of a flag composed of 1 bit instead of the radio wave detection command composed of 2-byte information, the required capacity is smaller than storing the command.

  Here, in general, fraudulent acts are continuously performed for a certain period due to the acts of the fraudulent person. For this reason, there are few cases where the sensor for detecting an illegal act is turned on only for the current processing time, and the sensor is often turned on for the subsequent processing times. Due to the nature of such a fraud detection signal, even if the processing is skipped in the current processing round, there is a low possibility that the fraud detection will be hindered. Moreover, when it is not detected in the next processing time, the case where it is due to the noise of the sensor which detects an unauthorized act is considered. Therefore, even if the command setting process is skipped, it is possible to detect fraud without any problem.

  Next, command transmission processing for commands set as output targets in timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The command set as the output target in the timer interrupt process is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b of the data transmission circuit unit 107. The stored command is transmitted to the sound light control device 72 by the data transmission circuit unit 107 asynchronously with the control of the main MPU 92.

  First, in step S601, it is determined whether a command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b. If an affirmative determination is made in step S601, the command stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b by the command shift process in the subsequent step S602 is moved to the internal RAM of the data transmission unit 107a. When one command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b, the command is moved to the internal RAM, and when a plurality of commands are stored, the command is stored first. Move the command to the internal RAM. Thereafter, the command moved to the internal RAM is deleted from the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  In subsequent step S603, command transmission start processing is executed. In the command transmission start process, transmission of the command moved to the internal RAM of the data transmission unit 107a to the sound control device 72 is started.

  In a succeeding step S604, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed. In the determination process, when a negative determination is made, step S604 is repeatedly executed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S601 or an affirmative determination is made in step S604, the process returns to step S601, and the processes in steps S601 to S604 are repeated.

  Since the command transmission process is executed asynchronously with the timer interrupt process as described above, the time lag from the setting to the output target to the transmission is reduced, and the process in the sound light controller 72 and the process in the main controller 71 are reduced. Deviation from processing is less likely to occur.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of commands are transmitted from the main control device 71 to the sound light control device 72. Priorities are set for the plurality of commands, and the priority is set by setting a command having a higher priority in the timer interrupt processing as an output target in a processing order earlier than a command having a lower priority. Specifically, the processing order of the special figure special power control process in step S214 is the earliest, and then the display control process in step S216, the fraud detection process in step S217, and the payout state reception process in step S219 are executed in this order. The processing order of each processing is set in Thereby, the priority is set in the order of the variation command and type command, the hold display command, the radio wave detection command, and the payout abnormality command. The payout abnormality command is a command transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the sound control device 72 based on a payout status command transmitted from the payout MPU 102 to the main MPU 92. The abnormal end command, the payout motor abnormal command, the lower plate A full command and no tank ball command are included. The payout abnormality command will be described in detail later.

  Each command is set as an output target in the timer interrupt process, and is transmitted to the sound light control device 72 in the command transmission process executed by the data transmission circuit unit 107. The order of output to the sound light control device 72 is the order set as the output target in the timer interrupt process. By providing a priority for the order of transmission of each command to the sound control device 72 as described above, a command having a higher priority can be reliably transmitted before other commands.

<Notification and production control processing>
The sound and light control device 72 periodically executes notification and effect control processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 (for example, a cycle of 2 msec), and executes processing corresponding to reception of various commands in this processing. .

  In step S701, it is determined whether a notification-type command, that is, a radio wave detection command or a payout abnormality command is received. If a notification-type command is received, in step S702, the notification-type command is handled. The notification process is executed. Specifically, a data table for causing notification corresponding to each notification-type command to be performed through the error light emission unit 58b and the speaker unit 59 is read from the ROM of the sound control device 72, and illegal according to the read data table. Detection or notification of an abnormal state is performed by the error light emitting unit 58b and the speaker unit 59.

  In a succeeding step S703, a notification-type command corresponding to the reception of the current notification-type command is transmitted to the display control device 121. The display control device 121 reads out a data table from the command so that notification corresponding to the identification of the illegal act or the payout state is performed through the symbol display device 41 from the ROM of the display control device 121, and the read data table. Various notifications are made to be performed by the symbol display device 41.

  If a negative determination is made in step S701 or if step S703 is executed, the process of step S704 is executed.

  In step S704, it is determined whether a variation command, a type command, or the like has been received as an effect command. If an effect command has been received, an effect system corresponding to the effect command is received in step S705. The process for setting the sound emission pattern is executed. Specifically, a data table for causing an effect corresponding to the current effect-related command to be performed through the display light emitting unit 58a and the speaker unit 59 is read from the ROM of the sound control device 72, and according to the read data table. Various effects are performed by the display light emitting unit 58a and the speaker unit 59. Such a data table corresponds to the display duration of the current game time.

  In the subsequent step S706, an effect command corresponding to the current effect command is transmitted to the display control device 121. The display control device 121 grasps the type of the current production from the command, reads a data table for allowing the display production corresponding to the type to be performed through the symbol display device 41, from the ROM of the display control device 121, Various effects are performed by the symbol display device 41 in accordance with the read data table.

  If a negative determination is made in step S704 or after step S706 is executed, the notification and effect control processing is terminated.

  Next, a configuration relating to transmission / reception of a payout status command of the payout control device 78 and the main control device 71 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to command transmission from the payout control device 78 to the main control device 71 and a configuration related to command transmission from the main control device 71 to the sound and light control device 72.

  As already described, the first signal path SL1 and the second signal path SL2 are provided between the main control board 91 and the payout control board 101.

  In detail, the main MPU 92 receives a winning ball toward the payout MPU 102 when the winning MPU 92 confirms winning in the winning portion corresponding to the generation of the winning ball based on the detection results of the winning detection sensors 31a to 35b. A command (payout command information) is transmitted, but a first signal path SL1 is provided to transmit the prize ball command. In this case, the prize ball command includes information indicating that it is a prize ball command and information on the number of prize balls to be executed, and is configured as information of a plurality of bits. Specifically, there are a plurality of types of prize ball commands, and each prize ball command consists of 2-byte information.

  In communicating the prize ball command, the first signal path SL1 is set to perform serial communication instead of parallel communication. That is, the information of multiple bits included in the prize ball command is sequentially transmitted through a single signal path. Note that the first signal path SL1 is a single connector unit in which connectors for electrically connecting to the connectors provided on the main control board 91 and the payout control board 101 are provided at both ends of the electric wiring. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of connector units may be formed by interposing a relay board or the like in the middle of the signal path.

  The second signal path SL2 is used to transmit a payout status command from the payout MPU 102 toward the main MPU92. The payout status command includes a prize ball completion command indicating the completion of the prize ball and the number of the prize balls completed, an abnormality start command indicating that a predetermined abnormality has occurred with respect to the game ball payout, And an abnormal termination command indicating that the abnormality has been canceled. That is, the payout status command includes information indicating the type of the command and information indicating the content of the payout status, and is configured as information of a plurality of bits. It should be noted that the predetermined abnormality relating to the game ball payout includes a full state of the lower plate 62a, a no-ball state of the tank 76, and an abnormality of the payout motor 77a. The data transmission speed in the second signal path SL2 is 1200 bps.

  Each command transmitted from the payout-side MPU 102 to the main-side MPU 92 is composed of 2 bytes, and includes high-order information and low-order information, and each piece of information is composed of 1 byte. Of these upper information and lower information, information for specifying the contents of this command is set in the lower information, and type information including this command is set in the higher information. For example, in the case of an abnormal start command, information specifying that it is an abnormal start command is set in the upper information, and specifically in the lower information, the payout motor abnormality, the no-ball state of the tank 76, and the lower plate 62a The information for specifying which payout abnormality is full is set.

  When the payout-side MPU 102 inputs a payout status command to the transmission data storage unit S1, the first data transmission unit T1 transmits the payout status command to the main side MPU 92. In communication of the payout status command, the second signal path SL2 is set to perform serial communication instead of parallel communication, like the first signal path SL1. That is, a plurality of bits of information included in the payout status command are sequentially transmitted through a single signal path.

  The input command is converted from the internal signal to information for serial communication by the first data transmission unit T1, and transmitted to the first data reception unit R1 using the second signal path SL2. Specifically, the abnormal start command and the abnormal end command are converted from an internal signal composed of a plurality of bits into information that can be sequentially transmitted bit by bit.

  The command received by the first data receiving unit R1 is converted from serial communication data into a signal for internal processing of the main MPU 92 by the first data receiving unit R1, and is output to the main MPU 92. Specifically, the information sent bit by bit is output to the main MPU 92 in units of a plurality of bits. The main side MPU 92 stores the payout status command transmitted using the second signal path SL2 in the command buffer 94d provided in the main side RWM 94.

  The second signal path SL2 is a single connector unit in which connectors for electrically connecting to the connectors provided on the main control board 91 and the payout control board 101 are provided at both ends of the electric wiring. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of connector units may be formed by interposing a relay board or the like in the middle of the signal path.

  Since the communication of the command between the main side MPU 92 and the payout side MPU 102 is not the parallel communication but the serial communication, it is illegal for the electric wiring that electrically connects the main control board 91 and the payout control board 101. Even if an illegal act using a so-called hanging board to connect the boards is performed, the possibility that the unauthorized board is hidden in the electric wiring or the like is reduced. The above action is performed in an attempt to illegally receive a large amount of game balls, and the signal path between the main control board 91 and the payout control board 101 is likely to be targeted as the target of the above action. In this case, in a configuration in which bidirectional command communication is performed between the main MPU 92 and the payout MPU 102, if parallel communication is adopted as command communication, the number of electrical wirings increases accordingly, and the above-mentioned unauthorized board becomes It becomes easy to hide by electric wiring. On the other hand, when the command communication is performed by serial communication, the illegal board is not easily hidden by the electric wiring, and it is easy to find it when the board is temporarily installed.

  Further, command communication in the signal path DL1 between the main control device 71 and the sound and light control device 72 is also performed by serial communication. As a result, even if an illegal act using the so-called hanging board described above is performed, it is possible to prevent the so-called hanging board from being hidden by the wiring that electrically connects the main control device 71 and the sound and light control device 72. It becomes.

  Next, the configuration of the command buffer 94d will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram showing an initial state of the command buffer 94d, FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which commands are stored in a part of the storage area of the command buffer 94d, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state by which the command was stored in all the memory areas of a command buffer. In FIG. 16, the storage area storing the command before reading is indicated by dots.

  The payout status command received from the payout side MPU 102 by the main side MPU 92 is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b as described above, but the priority level of sending to the sound control device 72 as compared with other commands. Is set low. For this reason, the payout status command is temporarily stored in the command buffer 94d, and the command having the higher priority is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b first.

  The command buffer 94d is composed of a ring buffer that temporarily stores various commands. The ring buffer has a plurality of storage areas, and each storage area in the pachinko machine 10 has a capacity of 2 bytes so that one command can be stored. In the ring buffer, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer 94d are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer. Further, the command is stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of each storage area, and when the command is stored in all the storage areas, the command is returned to the beginning of the storage area and updated. .

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16A, the command buffer 94d has 10 storage areas, and the top addresses of the areas are set to A0 to A9. A0 is stored in the storage pointer W and the read pointer R in the initial state.

  When a command is stored in the command buffer 94d, the start address of the next storage area is stored in the storage pointer W as shown in FIG. Therefore, when three commands are stored in the storage area from the initial state, A3 is stored in the storage pointer W. When a command is read in this state, the read pointer R stores the start address of the next storage area. Therefore, in a situation where commands are stored in at least one storage area, when one command is read from the initial state, A1 is stored in the read pointer R. When the stored command is read and the address stored in the read pointer R becomes the same as the address stored in the storage pointer W, the stored command is processed as if it was read out.

  The payout status command stored in the command buffer 94d is transmitted to the main controller 71 using the second signal path SL2 at a transmission rate of 1200 bps. That is, the payout status command is received by the main control device 71 at a rate of one for every four processing times of timer interrupt processing.

  Also, the payout control device 78 executes payout status detection processing periodically, specifically, in the same manner as the main control device 71, at a cycle of 4 msec, and in this processing, payout status commands corresponding to detection of various payout statuses. Is set as the output target. As described above, the payout status command includes a prize ball completion command, an abnormal start command, and an abnormal end command. The payout status command set as the output target is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 provided on the payout control board. The transmission data storage unit S1 has a plurality of storage areas and can store five payout status commands.

  A payout state detection process for setting a payout state command corresponding to the payout state detected by the payout side MPU 102 as an output target will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the payout state detection process, it is first determined in step S801 whether a winning ball completion state is detected. Specifically, it is confirmed based on the output result of the payout detection sensor 77b that the payout device 77 completes payout of the game ball corresponding to the number of prize balls of the prize ball command received from the main MPU 92 by the payout MPU 102. To do.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S801, a prize ball completion command is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 in step S802, and is set as an output target. If a negative determination is made in step S801 or after execution of step S802, it is determined in step S803 whether a dispensing motor abnormality is detected. Specifically, the payout device 77 is provided with a payout detection sensor 77b for detecting a game ball paid out from the payout motor 77a. When the payout control device 78 supplies a drive signal to the payout motor 77a through the driver circuit. If the payout detection sensor 77b does not detect a game ball, it is determined that the payout motor is in an abnormal state.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S803, the payout motor abnormality command is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 in step S804, and is set as an output target. If a negative determination is made in step S803 or after execution of step S804, it is determined in step S805 whether a tank ball absence state is detected. Specifically, the absence of a sphere in the tank 76 is detected by checking the output result of the sphere absence detection sensor 105b. When there is a predetermined number or more of game balls stored in the tank 76, the no-ball detection sensor 105b outputs a detection signal of a LOW level corresponding to the non-detection. If the number is smaller than the predetermined number, a detection signal of HI level corresponding to the detection is output. If the detection signal changes from the LOW level to the HI level and the detection signal of the HI level is detected over a plurality of processing times thereafter, it is determined that the tank ball is not in a state.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S805, a tank ball no command is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 in step S806, and the output target is set. If a negative determination is made in step S805 or after execution of step S806, it is determined in step S807 whether a lower pan full state is detected. Specifically, the full state of the lower plate 62a is detected by checking the output result of the full detection sensor 105a. When the number of game balls stored in the lower tray 62a is less than a predetermined number, the full detection sensor 105a outputs a LOW level winning detection signal corresponding to the non-detection and when the number is equal to or more than the predetermined number. Outputs an HI level winning detection signal corresponding to the detection. When the detection signal changes from the LOW level to the HI level and the detection signal of the HI level is detected over a plurality of processing times thereafter, it is determined that the lower dish is full.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S807, the lower pan full command is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 in step S808 and set as an output target. If a negative determination is made in step S807 or after execution of step S808, it is determined whether an abnormal end state is detected in step S809. Specifically, from the state in which any of the already described dispensing motor abnormal state, tank ball non-state, and lower plate full state is detected, the state is not detected, and each of the above-described states is performed over a plurality of processing times. When the state is not detected, it is determined that the state is abnormally ended.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S809, the abnormal end command is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 in step S810 and set as an output target. When a negative determination is made in step S809 or after execution of step S810, the payout state detection process is terminated.

  In the payout state detection process, the payout status command stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 is transmitted to the main control device 71 by the first data transmission unit T1. When a new payout status command is set as an output target while the payout status command is being transmitted, the newly set payout status command waits until the transmission start timing. A command transmission process for waiting for the payout status command will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The command set as the output target in the payout status detection process is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 of the payout control board 101. The stored command is transmitted to the main MPU 92 asynchronously with the control of the payout MPU 102 in the first data transmission unit T1.

  First, in step S901, it is determined whether a command is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S901, the command stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 by the command shift process in the subsequent step S902 is moved to the internal RAM of the first data transmission unit T1. Thereafter, the command moved to the internal RAM is deleted from the transmission data storage unit S1.

  In subsequent step S903, command transmission start processing is executed. In the command transmission start process, transmission of the command moved to the internal RAM of the first data transmission unit T1 to the main control device 71 is started.

  In a succeeding step S904, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed. In the determination process, when a negative determination is made, step S904 is repeatedly executed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S901 or an affirmative determination is made in step S904, the process returns to step S901, and the processes in steps S901 to S904 are repeated.

  The commands stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 are transmitted to the main control board 91 by the first data transmission unit T1 in the stored order. When the transmission is completed, the command is deleted from the transmission data storage unit S1, and the command generated when the first data transmission unit T1 is transmitting the command to the main control device 71 is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1. Thus, it is possible to wait until the next transmission possible timing, and it is possible to prevent the payout status command from being transmitted.

  Also, the payout status command is not a periodic occurrence as a detection target, but a situation that occurs suddenly, and all commands can be set as output targets within the same processing round. For this reason, the storage capacity of the transmission data storage unit S1 is equivalent to five commands of the same number as the types of payout status commands.

  Since the storage capacity of the transmission data storage unit S1 is five commands, each command generated as a payout status command is generated one by one in the same processing cycle of the payout status detection process of the payout side MPU 102. Also, the transmission data storage unit S1 can wait until the transmission timing.

  Here, the frequency of setting the payout status command to the output target is 20 processing times or more. Specifically, the prize ball completion command is set by detecting the prize ball completion state, but the payout speed of the payout motor 77a for paying out the game ball is set to a speed at which the game ball is paid out at intervals of 60 msec. . As already described, since the payout of the three game balls when the winning to the upper working port 33 occurs is the minimum number of winning balls, 180 msec is required for at least one payout. In addition, the abnormal start command payout motor abnormal command, tank ball no command and lower plate full command are recognized by the player and the hall manager after the occurrence of the abnormality, and the return work for the abnormality is completed. However, a period longer than the completion of the prize ball is required until an abnormality occurs again. Similarly to the abnormal start command, the abnormal end command requires a longer period than the completion of the winning ball before returning after the abnormality occurs.

  Since the setting interval of the payout status command to the output target is 20 processing times or more, the same command as the command set as the output target is not set in the transmission data storage unit S1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the command already stored in the transmission data storage unit S1 from being overwritten and the transmission omission of the payout status command to the main control device 71 from occurring.

<Payout status reception processing>
Next, the payout state reception process executed in step S219 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) will be described.

  In the payout state reception process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not a prize ball completion command is received from the payout side MPU 102 through the second signal path SL2 and stored in the command buffer 94d. judge. As described above, the winning ball completion command is transmitted from the payout MPU 102 when the winning ball is completed, and includes information on the number of completed winning balls. The main MPU 92 refers to the read pointer R and reads a command stored in the first storage area among unprocessed commands stored in the command buffer 94d. The main MPU 92 confirms the read command, and if it is a winning ball completion command, the process proceeds to step S1002.

  In step S1002, an external output process of the number of prize balls is executed. In the external output process of the number of prize balls, a process for external output for causing the management computer of the game hall to recognize information on the number of prize balls completed this time is executed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1001 or after executing step S1002, it is determined in step S1003 whether or not the storage capacity of the transmission data storage unit 107b is empty. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1003, it is determined in step S1004 whether the addresses stored in the read pointer R and the storage pointer W are the same. If the addresses stored in the read pointer R and the storage pointer W of the command buffer 94d are the same, there is no unprocessed command.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1004, it is determined in subsequent step S1005 whether an abnormal termination command has been received from the payout MPU 102 via the second signal path SL2 and stored in the command buffer 94d. As described above, the abnormal end command is transmitted from the payout side MPU 102 when a predetermined abnormality regarding the payout of the game ball is released. As in step S1001, the main MPU 92 refers to the read pointer R and reads a command stored in the first storage area among unprocessed commands stored in the command buffer 94d. The main MPU 92 confirms the read command. If an abnormal end command is received, the process proceeds to step S1006.

  In the subsequent step S1006, the abnormal termination command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b to be set as an output target. When the abnormal end command is set as an output target, the read pointer R stores the head address of the storage area next to the storage area read this time in the command buffer 94d. In addition, the sound light control device 72 terminates the payout abnormality notification such as the payout motor abnormality and the lower pan fullness already executed when the abnormal end command is received.

  Here, the abnormal termination command is transmitted to the sound control device 72 in the form as received without converting the command received from the payout MPU 102 by the main MPU 92. Similarly, other payout abnormality commands are transmitted to the sound light control device 72 without being converted by the main MPU 92.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1003, a positive determination is made in step S1004, or after execution of step S1006, the payout state reception process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1005, in step S1007, a payout motor abnormality command that is an abnormality start command is received from the payout MPU 102 through the second signal path SL2, and is stored in the command buffer 94d. Determine whether. As described above, the payout motor abnormality command is transmitted from the payout MPU 102 when an abnormality occurs in the payout motor 77a. As in step S1001, the main MPU 92 refers to the read pointer R and reads a command stored in the first storage area among unprocessed commands stored in the command buffer 94d. The main MPU 92 confirms the read command, and if it is a payout motor abnormality command, the process proceeds to step S1008.

  In subsequent step S1008, the payout motor abnormality command is set as an output target by storing it in the transmission data storage unit 107b. When the payout motor abnormality command is set as an output target, the read pointer R stores the start address of the storage area next to the storage area read this time in the command buffer 94d. After execution of step S1008, the payout state reception process is terminated. The payout motor abnormality command is transmitted to the sound and light control device 72 in the form as received without converting any command received from the payout MPU 102 by the main MPU 92.

  Further, in the sound and light control device 72, in the notification and effect control processing described above, the payout motor abnormality notification is executed by the error light emitting unit 58b and the speaker unit 59 when the payout motor abnormality command is received. Further, the payout motor abnormality notification may be executed by the symbol display device 41.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1007, it is determined in step S1009 whether a lower pan full command has been received and stored in the command buffer 94d. The lower plate full command is transmitted from the dispensing side MPU 102 when the full state of the lower plate 62a is detected by the full detection sensor 105a as described above. Similar to step S1001, the main MPU 92 refers to the read pointer R and reads the command stored in the head storage area among the untransmitted commands to the sound control device 72 stored in the command buffer 94d. The main MPU 92 confirms the read command. If the lower pan full command is received, the process proceeds to step S1010.

  In subsequent step S1010, the lower plate full command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b and set as an output target. When the lower plate full command is set as an output target, the read pointer R stores the start address of the storage area next to the storage area read this time in the command buffer 94d. After the execution of step S1010, the payout state reception process ends. The lower plate full command is transmitted to the sound light control device 72 in the form as received without converting the command received from the payout MPU 102 by the main MPU 92.

  Also, in the sound and light control device 72, in the notification and effect control processing described above, the lower plate full notification is executed by the error light emitting unit 58b and the speaker unit 59 when the lower plate full command is received. In addition, the lower symbol full notification may be executed by the symbol display device 41.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1009, it is determined in step S1011 whether a tank ball no command is received and stored in the command buffer 94d. As described above, the tank ball no command is transmitted from the payout MPU 102 when the no ball detection sensor 105b detects the no ball state of the tank 76. As in step S1001, the main MPU 92 refers to the read pointer R and reads a command stored in the first storage area among unprocessed commands stored in the command buffer 94d. The main MPU 92 confirms the read command, and if a tank ball no command is received, the process proceeds to step S1012.

  In subsequent step S1012, the tank ball no command is set as an output target by storing it in the transmission data storage unit 107b. When the tank ball no command is set as an output target, the read pointer R stores the start address of the storage area next to the storage area read this time in the command buffer 94d. The tank ball no command is transmitted to the sound and light control device 72 in the form as received without converting any command received from the payout MPU 102 by the main MPU 92.

  Further, in the sound and light control device 72, in the notification and effect control processing already described, tank ball non-notification is executed by the error light emitting unit 58b and the speaker unit 59 in response to reception of the tank ball non-command. Further, the tank ball non-notification may be executed by the symbol display device 41.

  When a negative determination is made in step S1011 or after execution of step S1012, the payout state reception process is terminated.

  In the timer interrupt process, this payout status reception process is executed as a process after the special figure special power control process and the fraud detection process, so that the fraud detection process and the special figure special electric control process are output as the output target. It becomes possible to preferentially transmit various commands to be set to the sound light control device 72.

  Here, the command set in the special figure special power control process is transmitted in preference to the command set in the payout state reception process because it is a signal for controlling the progress of the game. . If a transmission omission occurs in an effect-related command, the display on the symbol display device 41 and the internal processing differ, and the player cannot play normally. The command priority is set high.

  The priority of the command that occurs in the fraud detection process is set higher than the command that occurs in the payout status reception process. This is to make it possible.

  On the other hand, the payout status command set in the payout state reception process may cause a situation in which the game ball is not paid out even if it is generated. Can be noticed at an early stage of occurrence of abnormality. Even when a situation in which game balls are not paid out occurs, the winning ball is not erased and is paid out after cancellation of the abnormal state, so the priority is set to the lowest.

  In addition, when there is no free space in the transmission data storage unit 107b, the setting process of the payout status command to the output target is skipped, so that the radio wave detection command and the production command are transmitted rather than the payout status command. Can be transmitted to the sound control device 72 with priority.

  Also, during the period from the start of the payout receiving process at a predetermined processing time to the start of the special figure special electric control process at the next processing time, transmission of two commands from the main control device 71 to the sound light control device 72 is completed. ing. In this configuration, since there is a maximum of one payout status command to be set as an output target within one processing round, in the special figure special electric control process in the next processing round while setting the payout status command as an output target. Even when a variation command and a type command are generated, they can be stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  Next, a configuration relating to transmission of commands from the main control device 71 to the sound light control device 72 will be described in detail.

  As described above, in the data transmission circuit unit 107, when a command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b, transmission of a command from the data transmission unit 107a to the sound light control device 72 is started.

  In the data transmission unit 107a, the command stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b is converted from the internal signal into information for serial communication, and the second data reception unit provided in the sound light control device 72 using the signal path DL1. Sent to R2. Specifically, the command stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b is converted into information that can be sequentially transmitted bit by bit from an internal signal composed of 2 bytes.

  Here, when the command is stored in all the storage areas of the command buffer 94d, the same address is stored in the storage pointer W and the read pointer R as shown in FIG. In this state, it cannot be determined whether it is in the initial state or the storage area is full, and is regarded as the initial state, and the command stored in the command buffer 94d is cleared.

  On the other hand, the second data transmission unit T2 is provided so that the transmission speed of serial communication is 19200 bps. The timer interrupt process is set to be executed every 4 msec. By setting it to 19200 bps, a command composed of 2 bytes (16 bits) is generated within 4 msec that occurs between each processing round. It is possible to send commands. Actually, when one command is transmitted at 19200 bps, transmission is completed within 1 msec, so that the command can be transmitted at a rate of four commands or more.

  In the main MPU 92, a high-priority change command, a type command, and a hold display command triggered by winning of the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are generated during the interrupt period (4 msec) of the timer interrupt processing. In such a case, the signal path DL1 is set to a transmission speed that can reliably complete the transmission of these four commands. As a result, it is possible to reliably transmit a high priority command transmitted by the main MPU 92.

  Further, the main MPU 92 can temporarily store the payout status command in the command buffer 94d when the transmission data storage unit 107b is not full. As a result, in a configuration in which there is a command having a higher transmission priority than the payout abnormality command, it is possible to prevent omission of the payout abnormality command even when the capacity of the transmission data storage unit 107b is full.

  In the special figure special electric processing, once the change command and the type command are set once, it is not necessary to set at least a predetermined plurality of processing times. Specifically, since the next command is set after the display continuation time (specifically, 1 msec at the shortest) has elapsed since the change command and the type command have been set, an effect for game times is performed. No command is set during the interval.

  The hold display command is a command that is set as an output object when the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are awarded. As already described, since it is necessary to perform a plurality of processing times, specifically, three processing times, to detect that a winning has been made, the hold display command triggered by winning of each operation port is set once. Then, at least the next two processing times are not set.

  As described above, since the four commands are not transmitted in each processing time, even if the above four commands are set in a predetermined processing time, the payout status command can be transmitted in the next processing time.

  In the main controller 71, the number of commands to be prioritized within one processing cycle of the timer interrupt processing is four, and the transmission speed is set so that transmission of these commands can be completed. For this reason, even if a command received in a predetermined processing time becomes the next processing time, it is difficult to generate a situation where the command buffer 94d stores the command. As a result, the amount of command reception does not exceed the amount of transmission, and it is possible to prevent an unprocessed command from overflowing the storage area of the command buffer 94d and causing a command transmission failure.

  The transmission speed of the abnormal start command transmitted from the payout MPU 102 to the main MPU 92 is 1200 bps, and the transmission speed of various commands transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the sound control device 72 is 19,200 bps. It has become. Thereby, since the transmission rate on the input side of the main MPU 92 is set smaller than the transmission rate on the output side, the transmission period is shorter than the period for receiving one command. Transmission leakage to the control device 72 can be prevented.

  Further, the transmission speed in the second signal path SL2 on the input / output side of the main MPU 92 is constant at 1200 bps, and the transmission speed in the output signal path DL1 is constant at 19,200 bps. By transmitting information at a predetermined constant speed in this way, it becomes possible to prevent transmission of information from leaking without having to control the speed with software or the like.

  Further, the command transmission speed in the second signal path SL2 which is the receiving side of the main MPU 92 is 1200 bps, and one payout status command can be received every four processing times. Further, the command transmission speed of the signal path DL1 which is the transmission side of the main MPU 92 is 19200 bps, and four commands can be transmitted in one processing time. That is, the main MPU 92 can transmit 16 commands while receiving one payout status command.

  However, among the 16 commands that can be transmitted within four processing times, the production command and the radio wave detection command are not commands set in consecutive processing times, as already described. Therefore, it is possible to set a payout status command using a period during which another command with a higher priority is set, and it is possible to prevent overflow of the command buffer 94d and omission of a payout status command.

  Next, transmission / reception timings of various commands generated by executing the processing described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a timing chart for explaining the state of transmission / reception of various commands in the main-side MPU 92.

  Timer interrupt processing is started at the timing T1. Since the payout status command is received at the subsequent timing T2, the payout status command is stored in the command buffer 94d.

  At the timing of T3, a special figure special power control process is executed in step S214, and if there is holding information, a production command is set. As the production command, the change command and the type command are stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b and are set as output targets.

  At subsequent timing T4, the display control process is executed in step S216. Here, when a winning is confirmed in both the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34, at T4, two hold display commands are stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  At a subsequent timing T5, the radio wave detection completed flag is set, but the radio wave detection command is not set as an output target because the capacity of the transmission data storage unit 107b is full. Also, the payout status command is not set as an output target in the current processing time.

  At the subsequent timing T6, the transmission of either the change command or the type command set as the output target at the timing T3 is completed, and the other transmission is completed at the subsequent timing T7. The command for which transmission has been completed is deleted from the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  At the subsequent T8 timing, the next timer interrupt processing is started, the transmission of one of the hold display commands set as the output target is completed at the T4 timing, and the other transmission is performed at the subsequent T9 timing. Is completed. The command for which transmission has been completed is deleted from the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  Thereafter, at T10, a radio wave detection command that could not be set as an output target in the previous process is set and stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b. At the subsequent timing of T11, similarly to the radio wave detection command, the payout status command that could not be stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b in the previous processing round is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b and set as an output target.

  Thereafter, the transmission of the radio wave detection command set as the output target at T10 is completed at the timing of T12 and is deleted from the transmission data storage unit 107b. After that, at the timing of T13, transmission of the payout status command set as the output target at T11 is completed, and is deleted from the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  Subsequent timer interrupt processing is started at timings T14 and T15. At the timing of T16 thereafter, winning is confirmed in either the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34, and one hold display command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b. The radio wave detection command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b by setting the radio wave detection completed flag at the timing of T17 thereafter, and is set as an output target.

  The transmission of the hold display command set as the output target at T16 is completed at the timing of T18, and the transmission of the radio wave detection command set as the output target at the timing of T19 is completed at the timing of T19. When completed, each command is deleted from the transmission data storage unit 107b.

  The next timer interrupt process is started at the timing of T20. A payout status command is transmitted from the payout control device 78 at the timing of T21 thereafter, and stored in the command buffer 94d.

  The winning is confirmed in either the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 of which the winning is not confirmed at the timing of T22 thereafter, and one hold display command is stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b. . The payout status command stored in the command buffer 94d is then stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b at the timing of T23 and set as an output target.

  The transmission of the hold display command set as the output target at T22 is completed at the timing of T24, and the transmission of the payout status command set as the output target at T23 is completed at the timing of T25. When completed, each command is deleted from the transmission data storage unit 107b. Thereafter, the next processing time is started at the timing of T26.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  The transmission speed of the payout status command transmitted from the payout MPU 102 to the main MPU 92 is 1200 bps, and the transmission speed of various commands transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the sound control device 72 is 19200 bps. ing. As a result, since the transmission speed on the input side of the main MPU 92 is set lower than the transmission speed on the output side, the transmission is completed and erased from the command buffer 94d rather than storing the command in the command buffer 94d. Since this is performed earlier, it is possible to prevent a payout status command from being transmitted from the main MPU 92 to the sound light control device 72.

  Further, the transmission speed in the second signal path SL2 on the input / output side of the main MPU 92 is constant at 1200 bps, and the transmission speed in the output signal path DL1 is constant at 19,200 bps. By transmitting information at a predetermined constant speed in this way, it becomes possible to prevent transmission of information from leaking without having to control the speed with software or the like. In addition, an increase in software cost can be suppressed.

  Further, the main-side MPU 92 can receive one command at four processing times at a reception side command transmission rate of 1200 bps, and can transmit four commands at one processing time at a transmission side command transmission rate of 19,200 bps. Yes. That is, the main MPU 92 can transmit 16 commands while receiving one payout status command, but as described above, the main MPU 92 always sets four commands as output targets at each processing time. is not. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a payout status command from being transmitted due to overflow of the command buffer 94d while effectively using a period in which no new command is set by the main MPU 92.

  Further, since the transmission data storage unit S1 is provided, a command generated when the first data transmission unit T1 is transmitting a command to the main control device 71 is stored in the transmission data storage unit S1. It becomes possible to wait until the next transmission possible timing, and it is possible to prevent the payout status command from being transmitted.

  In addition, the payout status command is not a periodic occurrence as a detection target, but a situation that occurs suddenly. In contrast, since the storage capacity of the transmission data storage unit S1 is five commands, each command generated as a payout status command is executed once in the same processing cycle of the timer interrupt processing of the payout MPU 102. Even when it occurs, all the commands can be stored in the transmission data storage unit S1, and the transmission omission to the main control device 71 can be prevented.

  In the main MPU 92, a high-priority change command, a type command, and a hold display command triggered by winning of the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are generated during the interrupt period (4 msec) of the timer interrupt processing. In such a case, the signal path DL1 is set to a transmission speed that can reliably complete the transmission of these four commands. As a result, it is possible to reliably transmit a high priority command transmitted by the main MPU 92.

  In addition, the production command and the hold display command are configured not to be set as output targets in consecutive processing times, and the payout abnormality command is transmitted in the processing time in which the production command and the hold display command do not occur. Thus, it is possible to set a payout abnormality command using a period during which other commands having higher priorities are set, and it is possible to prevent an overflow of the command buffer 94d and a transmission failure of the payout abnormality command.

  Also, during the period from the start of the payout receiving process at a predetermined processing time to the start of the special figure special electric control process at the next processing time, transmission of two commands from the main control device 71 to the sound light control device 72 is completed. ing. In this configuration, since there is a maximum of one payout abnormality command to be set as an output target within one processing round, in the special figure special electric control process in the next processing round while setting the payout abnormal command as an output target. Even when a variation command and a type command are generated, they can be stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the configuration relating to the command transmission method from the main control device 71 to the sound and light control device 72 is different from that of the first embodiment. The different configuration will be described below. In the following description, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to command transmission from the payout control device 78 to the main control device 71 and a configuration related to command transmission from the main control device to the sound and light control device in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 21, various commands set by the main MPU 92 to be output and payout status commands transmitted from the payout MPU 102 are transmitted from the main control device 71 to the sound control device 72, but the above commands are transmitted. Therefore, a first bit path DL2 and a second bit path DL3 are provided.

  The command communication is set to perform parallel communication instead of serial communication using the first bit path DL2 and the second bit path DL3. That is, a plurality of bits are transmitted simultaneously and in parallel using the bit paths DL2 and DL3.

  The commands stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b by the main side MPU 92 are controlled by the parallel data transmission unit TP in the order in which the commands are stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b asynchronously with the processing of the main side MPU 92 by the data transmission circuit unit 107. Transmitted to the device 72.

  In the parallel data transmission unit TP, the command stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b is converted from internal signals into information for parallel communication, and sound and light control is performed using the first bit path DL2 and the second bit path DL3. The data is transmitted to the parallel data receiving unit RP provided in the device 72. Specifically, the command stored in the transmission data storage unit 107b is converted from the internal signal composed of 2 bytes into information that can be transmitted in two bits at a time. The parallel data transmission unit TP is provided so that the transmission speed of parallel communication is 9600 bps.

  As described above, it is possible to transmit a plurality of bits at a time by performing data transmission by serial communication on the reception side of the main MPU 92 and data transmission by parallel communication on the transmission side. Even without increasing the per-transmission rate, increasing the number of transmission lines can increase the transmission rate of the entire data transmission-side configuration and prevent sending out of payout status commands. It becomes.

<Other embodiments>
(1) In each of the above embodiments, the command received by the main MPU 92 is output to the data transmission circuit unit 107, and the command is transmitted from the data transmission circuit unit 107 to the sound control device 72. The received command may be directly output without going through the MPU 92. Specifically, a configuration in which a command output from the payout side MPU 102 is input to the data transmission circuit unit 107 is conceivable. In this case, as a process on the payout side, before the command is transmitted, the free capacity of the transmission data storage unit 107b is confirmed. If there is a free space, the transmission data is stored. If there is no free space, the transmission data storage unit S1 waits for the command. Can be considered. During command transmission, it is necessary to reserve a free space for one command in the transmission data storage unit 107b and not store a command from the main MPU 92.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the data transmission speed on the transmission side of the main MPU 92 is set to a constant speed of 1920 or 9600 bps, and the data transmission speed on the reception side of the main MPU 92 is set to a constant speed of 1200 bps. A configuration may be adopted in which the data transmission rate on the transmission side and the reception side is variably controlled according to the free space of the command buffer 94d. For example, in the command buffer 94d, when the number of unsent commands stored is less than 8, the data transmission rate on the transmission side of the main MPU 92 is set to 19200 bps and the data transmission rate on the reception side is set to 1200 bps and stored. When the number of unsent commands is eight or more, a configuration is conceivable in which the data transmission rate on the transmission side of the main MPU 92 is set to 38400 bps and the data transmission rate on the reception side is set to 1200 bps.

  In addition, when there are eight or more payout status commands before reading, the data transmission rate on the reception side of the main MPU 92 may be lower than the data transmission rate on the transmission side. As a result, the period during which command reception is completed becomes longer, the number of commands that can be transmitted within that period can be increased, and overflow of the command buffer 94d can be prevented.

  (3) In the above embodiments, the timer interrupt process is generated every 4 msec. However, it may be set longer or shorter than 4 msec. For example, the timer interrupt process may be executed every 2 msec. In this case, it is necessary to set the transmission speed on the transmission side of the main MPU 92 to 38400 bps. As a result, even if four commands are generated in each processing time of the timer interrupt, it becomes possible to complete the transmission to the sound control device 72 by the next processing time, and the command buffer 94d overflows and a command transmission omission occurs. Can be prevented. That is, it is necessary to set the transmission speed on the transmission side of the main MPU 92 so that the command buffer 94d does not overflow due to the number of commands that can occur in each processing time.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, a capacity for 10 commands is provided as a storage area of the command buffer 94d for storing commands received by the main MPU 92 from the payout MPU 102. However, the payout MPU 102 in the main MPU 92 is provided. 1 is received in 4 processing times, and the command received from the payout side MPU 102 can be transmitted to the sound control device 72 at a cycle of 1 or more in 4 processing times in the main MPU 92. The storage capacity of the command buffer 94d may be one command. That is, it is sufficient that a capacity capable of storing more than the number of commands that can be stored in one processing cycle of the timer interrupt processing is secured.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, communication between the payout control device 78 and the main control device 71 and between the main control device 71 and the sound and light control device 72 may be wireless communication instead of wired communication. Specifically, each command may be exchanged by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and infrared rays.

  (6) In each of the above embodiments, the command buffer 94d constituted by a ring buffer is provided as a storage destination of the command received by the main MPU 92 from the payout MPU 102. However, the command buffer 94d is not a ring buffer. Alternatively, it may be a storage area having a storage capacity for one command. In this case, it is necessary to transmit the received payout status command to the sound control device 72 within four processing times of the timer interrupt. Further, the storage area may not be a ring buffer as long as it has a plurality of capacities. In that case, it is necessary to be able to manage the order in which the commands stored in the storage area are stored. For example, a configuration in which a storage area for storing the stored order is separately provided in correspondence with the storage area for each command is conceivable.

  (7) In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration is such that four commands can be transmitted in one processing time, but five or more commands are transmitted from the main control device 71 to the sound light control device 72 in one processing time. Also good. The command transmission speed of the main control device 71 may be set to a speed at which the number of commands to be transmitted can be transmitted by the next processing time. Specifically, among the commands transmitted by the main MPU 92, as commands having higher priority than the radio wave detection command and the payout abnormality command, the change command, the type command, the winning of the upper working port 33 and the lower working port 34 are received. In addition to the hold display command triggered by, a shift command for shifting the hold display in the symbol display device 41 triggered by a decrease in the number of holds N may be added to give priority to 5 commands. In this case, it is necessary to set the transmission speed on the transmission side to 24000 bps so that the main side MPU 92 can communicate five commands within one processing round.

  (8) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration for preventing command transmission omission is applied to the configuration related to the notification of the sound light control device 72, but the command may not be limited to the notification command. In other words, when information is transmitted between a plurality of control devices, the same configuration can be applied.

  (9) In each of the above embodiments, the payout status command received from the payout side MPU 102 is not converted by the main side MPU 92 and is transmitted to the sound light control device 72 in the form as received. Instead of transmitting the command from the payout MPU 102 to the sound control device 72 as it is, a command corresponding to the command from the payout MPU 102 may be read from the main ROM 93 and transmitted.

  (10) In each of the above embodiments, the payout is performed by making the command transmission speed from the main control device 71 to the sound control device 72 faster than the command transmission speed from the payout control device 78 to the main control device 71. It is not the structure which prevents the transmission failure of the command from the control apparatus 78 to the sound light control apparatus 72, The frequency of the command transmission from the main control apparatus 71 to the sound light control apparatus 72 is set from the payout control apparatus 78 to the main control apparatus 71. It is good also as a structure which increases more than the frequency of command transmission.

  For example, the shortest interval when starting command transmission from the payout control device 78 to the main control device 71 is longer than the shortest interval when starting command transmission from the main control device 71 to the sound light control device 72. Possible configuration is set.

  In order to set such an interval, the shortest interval is set to an interval longer than one cycle of the periodic processing (for example, a plurality of intervals, for example) in the case where the periodic control is periodically executed by the payout control device 78. (The ratio is one for the execution of the periodic processing), while the main control device 71 performs periodic processing periodically (same or shorter than the periodic processing execution interval of the payout control device 78). In the case of a configuration to be executed, a configuration in which the shortest interval is set to an interval that is equal to or less than one cycle of the regular process (for example, one or a plurality of ratios for one regular process) can be considered.

  Further, for example, the payout control device 78 can start transmission of a predetermined number of commands in one periodic process, and the main control device 71 also transmits a predetermined number of commands in one periodic processing. If the MPU 102 of the payout control device 78 has a slower processing speed than the MPU 92 of the main control device 71, the periodic processing execution interval of the payout control device 78 can be increased. A configuration in which the interval is longer than the execution interval of the regular processing of the main control device 71 is conceivable.

  With each of the above configurations, for example, even if the transmission rate of information from the payout control device 78 to the main control device 71 is the same or substantially the same as the transmission rate of information from the main control device 71 to the sound and light control device 72. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of omission of command transmission from the payout control device 78 to the sound light control device 72. In addition, for example, even if the former transmission rate is higher than the latter transmission rate, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of transmission omission of the command by adjusting the shortest intervals accordingly. Become.

  (11) In each of the above embodiments, the command generated by the main MPU 92 is given priority over the command generated by the payout MPU 102 and is transmitted to the sound control device 72. It is good also as a structure which gives priority to the command produced | generated by (2) rather than producing | generating in the main side MPU92.

  Specifically, in a predetermined processing time of the main MPU 92, a change command, a type command, a hold display command triggered by winning of the upper working port 33, a hold display command triggered by winning of the lower working port 34, and When transmission of five commands of the payout status command overlaps, the payout status command is first stored in the transmission data storage unit, and then stored in the order of the variation command, the type command, and the hold display command. In the storing process, when the storage capacity of the transmission data storage unit becomes full, a hold display command triggered by winning of the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 is temporarily stored in the command buffer 94d, A configuration may be considered in which transmission is performed to the sound light control device 72 in the subsequent processing times.

  (12) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines that release a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or games in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a big hit when a ball enters, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and the like.

  Also, a non-ball-type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has passed, a privilege such as paying out medals is given to the player The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine.

  In addition, the gaming machine main body that is supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage unit and a capture device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capture device. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, which starts rotating the reel.

<Invention Group Extracted from Each Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in each of the above embodiments is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

<Feature A group>
Feature A1. As control means, first control means (payout control device 78 in the first and second embodiments), second control means (main control device 71 in the first and second embodiments), and third control. Means (sound light control device 72 in the first and second embodiments),
The second control means is configured to perform the first control via first communication means (the first data transmission unit T1, the second signal path SL2, and the first data reception unit R1 in the first and second embodiments). A command (payout status command in the first and second embodiments) is received from the means, and the third control means (the data transmission unit 107a, the signal path DL1 in the first embodiment) is received via the second communication means. , Second data receiver R2, parallel data transmitter TP, first bit path DL2, second bit path DL3, parallel data receiver RP in the second embodiment, commands (first, second and A production command, a hold display command, a radio wave detection command, and a payout abnormality command in the third embodiment,
By receiving and transmitting these commands, processing corresponding to the predetermined processing performed in the first control unit is performed in the third control unit,
The first communication means includes first information transmission means (first and second implementations) for causing the information transmission speed of the first communication means to be lower than the information transmission speed of the second communication means. A gaming machine comprising a first data transmission unit T1) in the form.

  According to the feature A1, since the transmission speed of the first communication means that is the reception side of the second control means is set to be slower than that of the second communication means that is the transmission side, transmission is performed in the second control means. It is possible to prevent an increase in the number of commands received than the command, and it is possible to prevent a command transmission failure to the third control means.

Feature A2. The second control means includes storage means (command buffer 94d in the first and second embodiments) for storing the command received via the first communication means, and the command is stored in the storage means. A command derived from the command or processing performed using the command is transmitted to the third control unit via the second communication unit,
The first information transmission unit is configured to store the storage unit in relation to a frequency with which a command stored in the storage unit is set as a processing target for transmitting a command to the third control unit in the second control unit. In order to prevent a command from being transmitted to the second control unit via the first communication unit beyond the storable number, the information transmission rate of the first communication unit is The gaming machine according to Feature A1, wherein the gaming machine is configured to be lower than a command transmission rate.

  According to the feature A2, since the storage means is provided in the second control means, the command received from the first control means waits in the storage means even when the command is being transmitted in the second communication means. It is possible to leave it. In addition, because the command transmission speed by the first communication unit does not exceed the storable number in the storage unit, the command overflows the storage area of the storage unit and the unprocessed command is deleted. Can be prevented.

Feature A3. The second control means executes specific processing (timer interrupt processing in the first and second embodiments) at a specific cycle, and sends a command corresponding to the processing result via the second communication means. To the third control means,
The command that can be set by executing the specific process is transmitted in preference to the command received from the first control unit by the second control unit and transmitted to the third control unit based on the command. The gaming machine according to feature A1 or A2, wherein a command is included.

  According to the feature A3, in the configuration in which the information transmission rate by the first communication unit is lower than the information transmission rate by the second communication unit, the processing result of the specific process of the second control unit is from the first control unit. The command received prior to the received command is transmitted to the third control means, so that the command received from the first control means can be transmitted while the command to be prioritized is reliably transmitted to the third control means. It becomes possible to prevent.

Feature A4. The second communication means is a second information transmission means (first and second information transmission means) that sets the information transmission speed of the second communication means to a transmission speed at which a specific number of commands can be transmitted within the specific period. A data transmission circuit unit 107) according to the second embodiment;
The first information transmission unit is characterized in that the transmission rate of information of the first communication unit is set to a transmission rate that requires a period longer than the specific period to transmit one command. The gaming machine according to A3.

  According to the feature A4, it is possible to transmit a command having a high transmission priority within a specific period, while preventing a storage means from overflowing by lowering a reception frequency for a command having a lower priority, It is possible to prevent omission of command transmission to the third control means.

Feature A5. There are a plurality of types of commands that can be set by executing the specific process,
The plurality of types of commands include a specific number of types as commands that are transmitted from the first control unit in the second control unit in preference to commands transmitted to the third control unit based on the command. Commands (variation commands, type commands, hold display commands in the first and second embodiments),
These specific number of types of commands are commands that are not set as transmission targets in the next processing times when they are set as transmission targets in the processing times of the specific processing,
The second information transmission means sets the information transmission speed of the second communication means to a transmission speed at which the specific number of types of commands can be transmitted within the specific period. (A data transmission circuit unit 107 in the first and second embodiments) A gaming machine according to the feature A3 or A4, characterized in that

  According to the feature A5, since a specific number of types of commands can be transmitted within a specific period, the command is received from the first control means in the next processing time when the specific number of types of commands are transmitted. Thus, a command transmitted based on the command can be transmitted to the third control means, and a command having a lower priority can be transmitted using a processing time in which a command to be prioritized does not occur.

Feature A6. There are a plurality of types of commands that can be set by executing the specific process,
The plurality of types of commands include a specific number of commands as commands that are received by the second control means from the first control means and transmitted to the third control means based on them. Contains a variety of commands,
These specific number of types of information is information that is not set as a transmission target in the next processing time when it is set as a transmission target in a predetermined processing time of the specific processing,
The first information transmission means sets the information transmission speed of the first communication means to a transmission speed that enables transmission of one command when the specific processing is performed a plurality of times. And
The second information transmitting unit is configured to set the information transmission rate of the second communication unit to at least the specific number of types of commands and the first communication unit when the specific process is performed a plurality of times. The gaming machine according to feature A3 or A4, characterized in that the transmission speed is such that transmission with a single command to be transmitted is possible based on receiving information via.

  According to the feature A6, when the specific cycle is performed a plurality of times, information generated during the period in which the plurality of specific cycles are performed can be transmitted to the third control unit without omission.

  Feature A7. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A6, wherein the first communication unit and the second communication unit transmit information by serial communication.

  According to the feature A7, the number of signal paths for transmitting information in each control unit can be suppressed by transmitting information by serial communication. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the cost of the gaming machine, and in a situation where an illegal board is connected to various control means, the illegal board is not easily hidden in the electrical wiring.

Feature A8. The first communication means transmits information by serial communication,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A7, wherein the second communication means transmits information by parallel communication.

  According to feature A8, in the second control means, the information receiving side from the first control means transmits information by serial communication, and the information transmitting side to the third control means transmits information by parallel communication. By doing so, it is possible to increase the transmission speed of the entire configuration related to data transmission on the transmission side by increasing the number of transmission lines without increasing the transmission speed per transmission line. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent transmission of information from being transmitted to the third control means.

Feature A9. The first control means transmits a first command to the second control means when detecting an abnormality of an apparatus connected to the first control means,
When the second control means receives the first command, the second control means transmits a second command based on the first command to the third control means,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A8, wherein, when the second control unit receives the second command, the third control unit performs abnormality notification by a notification mode based on the second command.

  According to feature A9, in the configuration in which information is transmitted and received from the first control means to the second control means and from the second control means to the third control means, the second control means that triggers the notification of the third control means. It becomes possible to prevent transmission of one command from being leaked, and it is possible to report an abnormality occurring in the first control means without omission.

Feature A10. The first communication means includes first information transmission means for transmitting information at a first speed from the first control means to the second control means,
The second communication means includes second information transmission means for transmitting information at a second speed from the second control means to the third control means,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A9, wherein a transmission rate does not vary in the first information transmitting unit and the second information transmitting unit.

  According to the feature A10, since the transmission rate in the first information transmission unit and the second information transmission unit does not vary between the first rate and the second rate, it is possible to prevent transmission of information without having to variably control the transmission rate by software or the like. It becomes possible to prevent. In addition, an increase in software cost can be suppressed.

Feature A11. In the first control means, there are a plurality of types of commands to be transmitted to the second control means via the first communication means,
The first control means includes a standby area (transmission data storage unit S1 in the first, second, and third embodiments) that stores the plurality of types of commands.
When one command among the plurality of types of commands is being transmitted to the second control means via the first communication means, the other commands are stored in the standby area. The gaming machine according to any one of A1 to A10.

  According to the feature A11, since the standby area is provided, another command is generated during transmission of one command among a plurality of types of commands transmitted to the second control unit via the first communication unit. Even in this case, the other command can be kept waiting until the transmission timing by storing it in the waiting area. Thereby, it is possible to prevent transmission omission of a command transmitted from the first control unit to the second control unit.

<Feature B group>
Feature B. As control means, first control means (payout control device 78 in the first and second embodiments), second control means (main control device 71 in the first and second embodiments), and third control. Means (sound light control device 72 in the first and second embodiments),
The second control means is configured to perform the first control via first communication means (the first data transmission unit T1, the second signal path SL2, and the first data reception unit R1 in the first and second embodiments). A command (payout status command in the first and second embodiments) is received from the means, and the third control means (the data transmission unit 107a, the signal path DL1 in the first embodiment) is received via the second communication means. , Second data receiver R2, parallel data transmitter TP, first bit path DL2, second bit path DL3, parallel data receiver RP in the second embodiment, commands (first, second and A production command, a hold display command, a radio wave detection command, and a payout abnormality command in the third embodiment,
By receiving and transmitting these commands, processing corresponding to the predetermined processing performed in the first control unit is performed in the third control unit,
The second control means executes specific processing (timer interrupt processing in the first and second embodiments) at a specific cycle, and sends a command corresponding to the processing result via the second communication means. To the third control means,
There are a plurality of types of commands that can be set by executing the specific process,
The plurality of types of commands include a specific number of types as commands that are transmitted from the first control unit in the second control unit in preference to commands transmitted to the third control unit based on the command. Commands (variation commands, type commands, hold display commands in the first and second embodiments),
These specific number of types of commands are commands that are not set as transmission targets in the next processing times when they are set as transmission targets in the processing times of the specific processing,
The second communication means sets the information transmission speed of the second communication means to a transmission speed that allows a specific number of types of commands to be transmitted within the specific period. A gaming machine comprising the data transmission circuit unit 107) according to the first and second embodiments.

  According to the feature B, in the configuration in which the processing result of the specific process of the second control unit is transmitted to the third control unit with priority over the information received from the first control unit, the number of pieces of information with high priority is increased. Based on the transmission speed of the second communication means being determined so that the information can be transmitted from the second control means to the third control means within the range of the specific period, transmission of information with high priority Leakage can be prevented.

<Feature C group>
Feature C. As control means, first control means (payout control device 78 in the first and second embodiments), second control means (main control device 71 in the first and second embodiments), and third control. Means (sound light control device 72 in the first and second embodiments),
The second control means is configured to perform the first control via first communication means (the first data transmission unit T1, the second signal path SL2, and the first data reception unit R1 in the first and second embodiments). A command (payout status command in the first and second embodiments) is received from the means, and the third control means (the data transmission unit 107a, the signal path DL1 in the first embodiment) is received via the second communication means. , Second data receiver R2, parallel data transmitter TP, first bit path DL2, second bit path DL3, parallel data receiver RP in the second embodiment, commands (first, second and A production command, a hold display command, a radio wave detection command, and a payout abnormality command in the third embodiment,
By receiving and transmitting these commands, processing corresponding to the predetermined processing performed in the first control unit is performed in the third control unit,
The second control means executes specific processing (timer interrupt processing in the first and second embodiments) at a specific cycle, and sends a command corresponding to the processing result via the second communication means. To the third control means,
There are a plurality of types of commands that can be set by executing the specific process,
The plurality of types of commands include a specific number of types as commands that are transmitted from the first control unit in the second control unit in preference to commands transmitted to the third control unit based on the command. Commands (variation commands, type commands, hold display commands in the first and second embodiments),
These specific number of types of commands are commands that are not set as transmission targets in the next processing times when they are set as transmission targets in the processing times of the specific processing,
The first information transmission unit is characterized in that the transmission rate of information of the first communication unit is set to a transmission rate that requires a period longer than the specific period to transmit one command. To play.

  According to the feature C, in the configuration in which the processing result of the specific process of the second control unit is prioritized over the information received from the first control unit and transmitted to the third control unit, the reception frequency of low priority information By lowering, it is possible to increase the transmission frequency of information having a relatively high priority, and it is possible to prevent transmission of information from the second control unit to the third control unit.

<Feature D group>
Feature D. As control means, first control means (payout control device 78 in the first and second embodiments), second control means (main control device 71 in the first and second embodiments), and third control. Means (sound light control device 72 in the first and second embodiments),
The second control unit receives information (payout status command in the first and second embodiments) from the first control unit, and the third control unit (the data transmission unit 107a in the first embodiment). , The signal path DL1, the second data receiving unit R2, the parallel data transmitting unit TP, the first bit path DL2, the second bit path DL3, and the parallel data receiving unit RP in the second embodiment. , Directing commands, hold display commands, radio wave detection commands and payout abnormality commands in the second and third embodiments),
By receiving and transmitting these commands, processing corresponding to the predetermined processing performed in the first control unit is performed in the third control unit,
A gaming machine characterized in that transmission of information from the first control means to the second control means is slower than transmission of information from the second control means to the third control means.

  According to the feature D, the amount of information to be received is larger than the amount of information transmitted by the second control unit because the transmission of the information on the reception side of the second control unit is slower than the transmission side. It becomes possible to prevent this, and it is possible to prevent leakage of information transmission from the first control means to the third control means.

  71 ... main control device, 72 ... sound light control device, 78 ... payout control device, 92 ... main side MPU, 94 ... main side RWM, 94d ... command buffer, 107a ... data transmission unit, 107b ... transmission data storage unit, T1 ... 1st data transmission part, T3 ... 3rd data transmission part, R1 ... 1st data reception part, R2 ... 2nd data reception part, TP ... Parallel data transmission part, RP ... Parallel data reception part, SL2 ... 2nd Signal path, DL1... Signal path, DL2... First bit path, DL3.

Claims (7)

As control means, it has a first control means, a second control means and a third control means,
The second control means receives a command from the first control means via the first communication means, transmits a command to the third control means via the second communication means,
By receiving and transmitting these commands, processing corresponding to the predetermined processing performed in the first control unit is performed in the third control unit,
The first communication means includes first information transmission means for making the information transmission speed of the first communication means lower than the information transmission speed of the second communication means. Gaming machine. The second control means includes storage means for storing a command received via the first communication means, and based on the fact that the command is stored in the storage means, the second control means executes the command or the command. A command derived by the process is transmitted to the third control means via the second communication means,
The first information transmission unit is configured to store the storage unit in relation to a frequency with which a command stored in the storage unit is set as a processing target for transmitting a command to the third control unit in the second control unit. In order to prevent a command from being transmitted to the second control unit via the first communication unit beyond the storable number, the information transmission rate of the first communication unit is 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is lower than a command transmission rate. The second control means executes a specific process at a specific cycle, and transmits a command corresponding to the process result to the third control means via the second communication means,
The command that can be set by executing the specific process is transmitted in preference to the command received from the first control unit by the second control unit and transmitted to the third control unit based on the command. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a command is included. The second communication means includes second information transmission means for setting the information transmission speed of the second communication means to a transmission speed at which a specific number of commands can be transmitted within the range of the specific period,
The first information transmission unit is characterized in that the transmission rate of information of the first communication unit is set to a transmission rate that requires a period longer than the specific period to transmit one command. The gaming machine according to claim 3. There are a plurality of types of commands that can be set by executing the specific process,
The plurality of types of commands include a specific number of types as commands that are transmitted from the first control unit in the second control unit in preference to commands transmitted to the third control unit based on the command. Command is included,
These specific number of types of commands are commands that are not set as transmission targets in the next processing times when they are set as transmission targets in the processing times of the specific processing,
The second information transmission means sets the information transmission speed of the second communication means to a transmission speed at which the specific number of types of commands can be transmitted within the specific period. The gaming machine according to claim 3, further comprising: There are a plurality of types of commands that can be set by executing the specific process,
The plurality of types of commands include a specific number of commands as commands that are received by the second control means from the first control means and transmitted to the third control means based on them. Contains a variety of commands,
These specific number of types of information is information that is not set as a transmission target in the next processing time when it is set as a transmission target in a predetermined processing time of the specific processing,
The first information transmission means sets the information transmission speed of the first communication means to a transmission speed that enables transmission of one command when the specific processing is performed a plurality of times. And
The second information transmitting unit is configured to set the information transmission rate of the second communication unit to at least the specific number of types of commands and the first communication unit when the specific process is performed a plurality of times. The gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the transmission speed is such that transmission with a single command to be transmitted is possible based on reception of information via. In the first control means, there are a plurality of types of commands to be transmitted to the second control means via the first communication means,
The first control means includes a standby area for storing the plurality of types of commands,
When one command among the plurality of types of commands is being transmitted to the second control means via the first communication means, the other commands are stored in the standby area. Item 7. A gaming machine according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

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